Sierra Leone: The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) together with the National Malaria Control Program and other partners have on Friday 24th April 2021 launched the National Malaria Elimination Strategy Plan 2021- 2025 at the Siaka Stevens Stadium perimeter.
The launch which coincided with the celebration of the World Malaria Day under the theme “Zero Malaria-Draw the line against Malaria”, attracted key stakeholders including the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone , representatives from China’s Centre for Disease Control along with pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Chairing the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of MOHS Morie Momoh said the day “… marks an important day in the fight against malaria by the government.” He disclosed that the actual commemoration of the day itself started in 2005, and since then April 25th, every year is deemed as World Malaria Day. “Malaria is a killer disease and by concerted effort it can be defeated.”
According to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Sartie Kenneh, Sierra Leone has covered a lot of grounds over the years in the fight against malaria and they are using the day to examine the things they need to do more to stop malaria in the country. “Malaria remains a problem causing lot of setbacks,” He added that the national elimination plan is a way of tackling it.
Giving statistics about the prevalence of malaria in the country, the Principal Health Sister, Wani Lahai said four out of every ten patients in the country is diagnosed with malaria. She noted that Port Loko has the highest prevalence rate in Sierra Leone, with 59% of malaria, but the country itself is stuck at 40%. She said they are providing bed nets and other anti-malaria medications to fight the disease.
In his statement the International Director World Vision Sierra Leone Sagane Thiaw averred that as a partner of the government, they are working towards achieving zero malaria case in Sierra Leone. He thanked the government and other partners for their strikes in combating malaria, as they are addressing the sanitation issue through their sanitation initiative.
The Ambassador of US to Sierra Leone David Reimer said “In a year of health challenges, malaria remains ever present as a significant health threat in Sierra Leone. The most recent national malaria indicator survey found a disease prevalence of 40% amongst children.”
He noted that Malaria accounts for 47% of clinic visit of children and responsible for 38% of all hospitalized patient, killing 18% those hospitalized.
The Chairman Parliamentary Health Committee, Honorable Moses Baimba Joaque said April 25th every year is a day to raise the awareness about malaria in the globe. “We can collectively free Sierra Leone from the burden of malaria.” He said malaria kills half a million people annually and so it must be treated with utmost seriousness, as it affects every facet of life.
The Representative of China CDC said malaria prevalence is very high in women and children, as they are the most vulnerable among the lot in society of the disease. He said this year WHO will declared China free from malaria and they will be excited to share their experience with Sierra Leone.
Representing the UN family, the Country Representative of WHO Dr Steven Shongwe said “Every malaria case is preventable and every malaria death is unacceptable.” He said malaria is one of the primary causes of death particular for children below the age of 5 years and pregnant women. He called on partners and the communities in ending malaria and reiterated their commitment to support the fight.
Launching the elimination strategy, the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation 1, Anthony Augustine Sandi said Sierra Leone has one of the highest burdens of malaria.” Malaria is endemic in Sierra Leone and the country’s entire population is at risk of the disease,” as it contributes close to 20% of death.
He said despite such threat, the government and its partners have made enormous strides in its prevention mechanism, by increasing test and treatments of the malaria scourge in health centres.
Other statements were also made key stakeholders, as the program ended with a short skit from Sierra Leone entertainers.
MJB/26/04/2021