Harare — ZIMBABWE has made significant strides in reducing malaria incidences in its endeavour to meet the December 2010 Abuja target.

Malaria incidences in the country have been reduced from 136 cases to 93 cases in every 1 000 people since 2000.

Addressing a Press conference ahead of Sadc Malaria Day to be commemorated on Friday in Mudzi, malaria manager in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Dr Joseph Mberi said Government was ready to meet the target in the next 13 months.

"Current, malaria incidences stand at 93 cases in every 1 000 people, a decline commendable in achieving the set targets," he said.

To achieve the targets, Zimbabwe should record at least 63 malaria cases in every 1 000 people from malaria endemic areas.

"We have a few steps to go in the next 13 months to meet the target and with scaled up malaria prevention and treatment interventions, we will achieve the target," said Dr Mberi.

He said last year 1 000 malaria deaths were recorded in Zimbabwe compared to 3 000 deaths the previous year, further evidence that the country was winning the war against malaria.

"2007 was a difficult year for us but generally the figures are coming down," he said.

Commenting on malaria endemic areas, which are impassible once the rains begin, Dr Mberi said indoor residual spraying has already started and was expected to be complete by next month before spraying teams move on to higher ground areas.

Muzarabani, Kariba and Hwange are among the areas that are impassible during the rain season.

Speaking at the same occasion, Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr Henry Madzorera acknowledged that Zimbabwe has made significant strides in reducing malaria incidence.

He said annual malaria cases had decreased from an average of 1,5 million to slightly above a million cases in 2008.

Minister Madzorera said the case fatality rate had also decreased from an average of 0,2 per year to 0,06 in 2008.

"Detection and control of malaria outbreaks has improved tremendously over the years with most districts now being able to detect and control a malaria outbreak within two weeks of onset," he said.

The Minister said coverage of treated mosquito nets had gone up to 61 percent and the malaria treatment policy had changed from chloroquine and fansida to coartemether- a more effective treatment.

"The country has moved from targeted distribution of long lasting nets from pregnant women and children under five to universal access where the target is now three nets per household or one net per two people," he said.

Zimbabwe, he said, would procure close to two million treated nets before December next year.

Ahead of the commemoration of the Sadc malaria day, Minister Madzorera called for strategies that would help achieve the Abuja targets.

This year's commemorations will be held at Nyamakuyo Primary School near Kotwa Growth Point in Mudzi district.

The commemorations will run under the theme: "Counting malaria" out and a slogan: "Kick malaria out! act now!"