MOSQUITO NETS MYTHS WORRIES LILLONGWE DHO

By Meclina Chirwa

The Lilongwe district health office has dismissed myths surrounding the use of mosquito nets.

Its spokesperson Richard Mvula disclosed this in an interview with Timveni after observing that many households shun mosquito nets.

According to Mvula, "malaria remains a deadly disease" hence the need for mindset change to combat it.

Malaria is endemic throughout Malawi and continues to be a major public health problem with an estimated 4 million cases occurring each year.

The development has largely been attributed to low use of treated mosquito nets among the general population.

 "Some misplaced beliefs are contributing to mosquito net resistance," said Mvula.

About 7.4% of all malaria cases in eastern and southern Africa occur in Malawi which is also among the top 15 countries with a high malaria burden.

"There is need for more nationwide awareness campaigns to promote importance of sleeping in treated mosquito nets and the dangers of malaria," expplained Mvula.

Pregnant women and under 5 children are at a high risk for malaria morbidity compared to other groups.

Malaria is also among the list of top 10 diseases that cause death in Malawi.