Drug stock out hits Ibanda district as Malaria cases surge
Authorities in Ibanda district have called upon local leaders to join the campaign to increase awareness about the dangers of self-medication and the need for clean environments.
Speaking to journalists, Dr Julius Bamwine, the District Health Officer revealed that there has been a registered surge in Malaria cases in the district.
Dr Bamwine noted that Ishongororo town council, Kicuzi and Keihangara sub-counties as well as Bisheshe Division in Ibanda Municipality are the areas with the highest number of malaria cases in the district.
According the DHO, the other areas with high malaria burden are Bufunda and Kagongo divisions, as well as Ishongororo and Rukiri sub-counties, among others.
The DHO attributed the increase partly to the fact that many people don’t want to use treated mosquito nets, while others use ineffective mosquito nets.
Dr Bamwine further said that many people also live in dirty environments surrounded by garbage, bushes and stagnant waters.
“These provide perfect breeding places for the mosquitoes,” said Dr Bamwine in an interview.
The DHO urged local leaders to always encourage residents to use treated mosquito nets and clear bushes and stagnant water in their neighbourhoods as preventative measures.
Dr Bamwine said 24 people succumbed to malaria last year, higher than the previous year.
Meanwhile, the district has not received drugs and other supplies from National Medical Stores (NMS) for about four months now, which has affected the fight against sicknesses like malaria, said Bamwine.
He however advised residents to avoid self-treatment and always visit health centres for proper disease diagnosis and management.
