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Bureau distributes over 1.3 million mosquito nets in SNNP State
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Awassa, May 15, 2007 (WIC) - More than 1.3 million chemically-treated mosquito nets have reportedly been distributed in SNNP State with a view to pre-empting the possible outbreak of malaria epidemic following the belg rains.
Malaria and Other Vector Borne Diseases Prevention and Control Team Leader with SNNP Health Bureau, Asrat Wolde-Meskel, told WIC that the bed nets were distributed to more than four million inhabitants in malaria-prone kebeles of the state. Some 7,957 kilogram anti-mosquito chemicals have also been distributed to health offices of all woredas, the team leader said. Training on malaria prevention and personal hygiene has also been provided for 745 volunteer farmers drawn from 368 kebele farmers associations, Asrat added. Though there were signs of malaria outbreak in 21 woredas from September to December due to the heavy rainfall, consolidated preventive efforts have resulted in controlling the disease, according to the team leader. Some 39 percent farmers residing in malaria-prone areas of the state are currently using mosquito nets, he said, adding that two mosquito nets have yet been provided for a household taking into consideration usage problems. Global Fund, UNICEF and Irish Aid have earmarked over 15 million birr fund for malaria prevention in addition to the activity of the state government, Asrat indicated. The team leader who recalled that over 350,000 people have been annually victimized by the disease added that the figure has now declined by 40 percent. |
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