Malaria Fight Taken House-To-House in Solomons

Malaria Fight Taken House-To-House

Solomon Islands campaign to fight malaria is being tested house-to-house this month.

In recent years real progress in the prevention and treatment has reduced malaria from 199 cases per 1,000 people to about 76 cases – but solid data is needed.

The 2011 Malaria Indicator Survey will visit selected regions across the country to test for malaria, ownership and use of bed nets, household spraying and other malaria interventions.

The five week survey, supported by development partners such as the Global Fund Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, WHO and AusAID, will visit 1280 households and provide a representative snapshot of the whole country.

Survey teams are currently in Western, Malaita and Temotu provinces, and will visit other provinces in the coming weeks.

Mr Alby Bobogare, Director of the Ministry of Health’s malaria control program, said the main objective of the survey is to measure progress toward the government’s 2008-2014 malaria action plan.

“Last year the government, with the assistance of donors like Global Fund, WHO and the Australian Government, distributed over 316,000 mosquito proof bed nets, sprayed 35,000 houses, and introduced new and more effective malaria testing and medicine at 80% of health clinics,” Mr Bobagare said.

“Now we need to check on the impact of that work and see what our people think about the prevention strategies being used.”

Mr Bobagare says compared to other countries in the region Solomon Islands is doing well.

“The challenge for the Solomon Islands is that two different types of malaria exist, which show different symptoms and require different treatments.”

“We need to increase our surveillance, and we need to increase awareness activities to tell our people how they can keep themselves and their families safe from this deadly disease.”

AusAID’s Peter O’Connor said Australia shared Mr Bobogare’s vision to see malaria reduced to less than 50 per 1000 people in five years time.

“Controlling and then reducing malaria is a long term fight, but with real health benefits for the people of Solomon Islands. It is important to have real data and evidence about which strategies are working in communities and which strategies need improvement,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The survey results will have integrity and will be vital for policy-makers in government, development agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations to continue our work together towards achieving the nation’s goal.”

Survey supervisor, Michael Quali, called on people to look out for the survey team, and asked for their cooperation.

“It is very fortunate that our survey people are coming straight to your door to check on the safety of your household for the benefit of all Solomon Islands.”

“Our team will be visiting homes to see if they have been sprayed, inspect bed nets and how many people are sleeping under them each night.”

“We will also be carrying out finger prick blood samples to test for malaria and we will provide treatment if we find positive tests.”

ENDS

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