Governments & Partners In Southern Africa Rapidly Increase Malaria Seasonal Control Activities, 01/10/01

Normal to above transmission is forecast in Southern Africa for the 2001 / 2002 season. National Ministries of Health are intensifying efforts to prevent, and prepare to respond to malaria increases and epidemics.

In recent years, malaria control programs in Southern Africa have increased their ability to forecast the malaria season in advance, and implement prevention and preparedness activities. 

Using data on rainfall, temperature, previous malaria trends and the coverage of malaria control interventions a forecast for this season was compiled for the first time in a joint process involving meteorologists and malaria control officers from a number of Southern African countries.

The forecast suggests a likelihood of normal to above normal malaria transmission over most of Southern Africa. Indications of a possible early start in malaria transmission are apparent, with first increases anticipated in December and January followed by a second larger increase and possible epidemics in March, April and May. 

High transmission is expected in all malaria areas of Namibia and South-western Angola. Swaziland, South Africa and Botswana could have a below normal malaria transmission if they maintain their high coverage of malaria prevention activities. However these countries still need to maintain a high level of surveillance, to enable them to detect and respond early to localized epidemics. The malaria forecast for Zimbabwe and Zambia could be normal but requires close attention due to variable previous malaria trends and coverage of malaria prevention activities. Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania continue to have high levels of normal transmission. Northern Tanzania is at risk of epidemics due to anticipated early but low rainfall during the 'short' rains, to be followed by high rainfall during the later 'long' rainfall season.

The World Health Organisation has highlighted the efforts in countries to control malaria, and respond to malaria epidemics within the region. It has sub-regional malaria control systems on standby to support countries in these areas. First and foremost however, the responsibility stands with the Ministry of Health in each country. Malaria within the region is increasing, and it takes a massive effort, supported by a dedicated core team of people at central level, and extensive funds to develop a solid infrastructure and delivery timely services. The time to act is now… The WHO calls upon all bilateral, multilateral partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and the Private Sector to join hands and fight for the common goal of halving malaria deaths by 2010. 

Priority Actions for the November, December and January
Countries should target indoor residual house spraying where used, in high risk areas and concentrate on achieving high coverage of more than 80% of households before December 2001, to minimise the risk of high malaria epidemics and malaria transmission Mosquito nets treated with insecticides should be sold and distributed extensively and mass campaigns to re-treat old mosquito nets should be made to ensure at least 60% of households are sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito nets, and follow up at household to ensure that mosquito nets are being used well.

Remember SADC Malaria Day - November 9

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