Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Sydney Kawadza
14 July 2008
Kotwa — THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces has stepped up training of medical officers in the uniformed forces to augment Government efforts in the fight against malaria.
In an interview during the Malaria Case Management Train the Trainers course in Kotwa, Mudzi District, ZDF malaria manager Major Alexio Tafirenyika said the training was an initial programme that would see medical staff in the uniformed forces get intensive training in malaria management.
"Officers who have been trained are expected to cascade the malaria case management to their colleagues in the various units of the uniformed forces," he said.
Members of the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Prison Services, Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who included doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and pharmaceutical technicians underwent the course.
"The training seeks to upgrade methods in malaria case management in line with the newly-introduced malaria treatment policy, especially on uncomplicated malaria.
"We also expect that officers who have been trained to train their colleagues so that we make our contribution towards the elimination of malaria in the country and the reduction of incidence of severe malaria while improving the management of malaria cases."
Participants during the course received training in the use of rapid diagnostic test kits while they were also introduced to the newly-introduced malaria treatment policy using the Atermessinin-based Combination Therapy.
Major Tafirenyika said the uniformed forces sought to step up vector control through in-door residual spraying, larviciding and health education.
Addressing officers attending the course, ZDF director general (health services) Brigadier General Gerald Gwindi urged members of the uniformed forces to take advantage of various disease management skills being introduced by Government.
"Policies to tackle health-related challenges have been introduced in the country and medical professionals, including those in the uniformed forces, should tap on these strengths to augment efforts towards minimising effects of malaria in Zimbabwe.
"Malaria is a public health problem. If we understand the roles played by all these (stakeholders) then we are better positioned to tap their strengths to augment Government's efforts to fight disease among our people.
"It is important for our health workers to keep up with any developments in health programmes so that they give better services to patients."
He applauded the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare for including the uniformed forces in various training programmes especially in the malaria case management course.
Medical personnel who took part in the course attended to patients at rural health centres in the district, which included Nyamapanda, Kotwa, Masarakufa and Dendera clinics.
Mudzi District is one of the 25 areas that are classified as high malaria prevalent regions in Zimbabwe where Government has introduced the malaria management policy.
The treatment policy include the ACT treatment policy that uses, the drug Coartemether, which is a more effective drug that replaced drugs that used to be given to patients in the past.
The RDT kits, which ensure prompt results, affords quick treatment of malaria patients and can be used by health professionals and community health workers.
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