Asmara — The Ministry of Health is exerting strenuous endeavors to put under total control the spread of malaria infection through mapping out a 5-year long strategic plan, according to Dr. Tewolde Gebremeskel, head of malaria control department in the Minister.

He explained that Eritrea is one of the few exemplary countries that registered impressive achievements in controlling malaria as attested by the WHO. The envisaged strategic plan is aimed at registering still gratifying achievements as regard attaining the pre-elimination phase, and eventually eradicating malaria epidemic.

The action plan focuses on distribution of numerous mosquito nets in all parts of the country, especially in those high-malaria risk zones, undertaking extensive pubic awareness raising campaign through the collaboration of all government institutions and partners, as well as nurturing a number of health professionals and the like.

Noting that no malaria infection was witnessed in Eritrea over the past 10 years, Dr. Tewolde outlined the factors that enabled the country to register such an impressive achievement, including exerting enhanced coordinated activities, supplying enough and effective anti-malaria medicines in all levels of health service and distribution of medicated mosquito nets to the public free of charge, as well as expansion of health service along with health professionals.

He further elaborated on various malaria controlling mechanisms that need to be effectively employed and called on the general public to play major role to this end.