Health Ministry boasts significant reduction in reported malaria cases

Health Ministry boasts significant reduction in reported malaria cases
Kaieteur News, 16 January 2008

The sustained efforts by the Health Ministry to curb the scourge of
malaria have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of
reported cases last year.

According to Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, his Ministry had, for
2007, established a target of less than 15,000 cases, and this was
achieved with a total of 10,829 cases being recorded.

This development, the Minister said, surpassed the Ministry's
expectations. He added that the proposed target for this year has now
become inapplicable.

In 2006, the proposed target which was established for 2008 was 12,000
cases, but, according to the Minister, it is now anticipated that it
would be less than 8,000 cases, a feat he has no doubt will be
accomplished.

The Health Minister commended the support of donor agencies and the
efforts of those who contributed in one way or another towards the
success of the malaria programme.

He noted that the evidence of the reduction of the prevalence of the
disease should be reason enough for those in the health sector to feel
a sense of pride.

Dr Ramsammy added, though, that health workers must be reminded that
although the current figure stands at 10,000 cases, they should strive
towards achieving even better results.

While the overall figure for the country has been reduced, the Minister
bemoaned the fact that the highest incidence - 42 per cent of the
recorded cases - came from Region Seven. The Minister described this as
unacceptable, since that particular region and Region Eight are the two
areas to which the most resources are directed.

For this reason, Dr. Ramsammy emphasised, health workers will have to
redouble their efforts this year, particularly in Region Seven.

However, according to Malaria Programme Director Dr Indal Rambajan,
reducing the incidence of malaria in Region Seven is no simple task.

He explained that, while it is hard enough trying to divulge
information to miners and other individuals, some of the areas there
are virtually inaccessible.

The Programme Director assured that, despite the odds, there would be a
concerted effort to address the situation.