Tanzania urged to intensify efforts in malaria eradication campaign

Dar es Salaam. Former President Jakaya Kikwete has advised the Tanzanian End Malaria Council to ramp up efforts utilizing successful strategies employed by three African countries to eradicate the disease.

Speaking at the third meeting of the End Malaria Council, Mr Kikwete, who doubles as a member of the Global End Malaria Council, stressed the importance of intensifying efforts and educating the public on four key strategies: malaria artemisinin-based combination therapy, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and mosquito breeding site elimination.

He said these strategies were pivotal in achieving Tanzania's goal of becoming malaria-free by 2030.

Mr Kikwete highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting Tanzania's position among the top 11 countries globally in terms of malaria infections and deaths.

These countries collectively account for 67 percent of all infections and 73 percent of malaria-related deaths worldwide, with children under five years old bearing the highest mortality rate.

In Tanzania, in the year 2023, a total of 19.8 million people were tested for Malaria, among whom 3.46 million were found to be infected, compared to 18.6 million tested in 2022, with 3.52 million found infected, and 20. 2 million tested in 2021, among whom 4.4 million were found infected. The deaths attributed to Malaria were 1,540 in 2023, compared to 1,735 in 2022, and 1,882 in 2021.

While only three African countries—Mauritius in 1973, Algeria in 2019, and Cape Verde in 2023—have successfully eliminated malaria, Kikwete expressed optimism, citing Botswana and South Africa's progress towards eradication. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that success requires the involvement of various stakeholders beyond the government alone.

Chairman of the National Malaria Eradication Council Leodgar Tenga, outlined initiatives to engage influential groups in malaria education. These efforts include collaborating with religious leaders and leveraging the influence of the sports industry to disseminate information effectively.

The Head of the Health Program at the Ministry of Health Dr Catherine Joachim, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting malaria eradication campaigns. She pledged full cooperation with stakeholders to implement the recommended strategies and achieve the goal of a malaria-free Tanzania.

As Tanzania faces the challenge of malaria, stakeholders are mobilizing efforts and resources to combat the disease, guided by successful strategies and a shared commitment to saving lives and improving public health.