The NEWS (Monrovia)
Benjamin B. Sworh
22 April 2008
Monrovia — An official of the Malaria Control Program at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has indicated that malaria is responsible for over 18 percent of deaths recorded in hospitals throughout the country.
Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, acting manager of Malaria Control Program disclosed that about 38 percent of all out-patient cases at various hospitals and health centers were the result of malaria infection.
Speaking at the launch of World Malaria Day in the Township of West Point, a suburb of Monrovia, Dr. Nyenswah noted that malaria is an irritating disease that should claim the attention of all Liberians.
He said although malaria was worrisome, but with support from donors and other international partners, his ministry was prepared to prevent it.
"We have the tools and manpower to fight malaria but what we want is the support from the community leaders to help sensitize their people on the danger of the disease by keeping their environment clean," he told the gathering.
He then assured that the Malaria Control Program would continue to sensitize community residents on the necessity to keep their environment clean in order to help prevent the disease.
Dr. Nyenswah also disclosed that with the assistance of donors, the Malaria Control Program has provided mosquito nets for distribution throughout the country.
This year's World Malaria Day is being observed from April 21-25, with the theme, "Malaria-disease without border".
Previously, the day was observed as Africa Malaria Day to sensitize the continent's population about the danger of the disease and how it should be prevented.
For his part, Deputy Health and Social Welfare Minister Dr. Moses Pewu who launched the World Malaria Day lauded WHO and other partners for their continuous support to the country's health sector.
Dr. Pewu warned mothers to desist from selling the mosquito nets that would be provided them free of charge.
"The mosquito nets are not for sale; it is a major instrument in the prevention of malaria. If we give you the net, please don't cut it to pieces for the purpose of selling it for survival," the Deputy Minister warned.
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