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The Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has made an ambitious pledge to reduce malaria infection by 75 percent in 2025.
Speaking at the launch of World Malaria Day, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) Programme Manager, Dr. Dennis Marke said they plan to increase surveillance, provide the necessary logistics and make efficient use of available resources.
He added that the Ministry and NMCP will embark on massive distribution of treated bed nets, intermittent preventive treatment and the introduction of a malaria vaccine in 2024.
Dr. Marke revealed that infant mortality rate among infants reduced by 17 percent from 92 percent to 75 percent. He added that the country recorded 1,000 infant malaria deaths in the past five years.
The NMCP Programme Manager also stated that the task would see the Government collaborate with other health partners.
Dr. Marke ended by admonishing locals to stop self-treatment of malaria and always conduct test before treatment.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba stressed on the importance of awareness raising with regards the disease. He said this could help citizens aware of control and preventive measures.
He also stressed the importance of adequate drugs.
The WHO Malaria Technical Advisor, Dr. Louisa Genda affirmed that the country will receive the malaria vaccine in 2024.
