By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba – Kariba Member of Parliament, Hon. Shine Gwangwaba, has raised alarm over a sharp increase in malaria cases across his constituency, urging the government to take swift and decisive action to curb the outbreak.
Since the start of the year, Mashonaland West Province has recorded 15,680 malaria cases, with over 50 fatalities. The crisis has intensified in recent weeks, with the Kariba District alone reporting four deaths last week.
Hon. Gwangwaba expressed sorrow over the escalating toll, calling for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life.
“Many families are suffering, and we cannot stand by while this preventable disease claims more lives,” he said.
Kariba District Medical Officer Dr Godwin Muza confirmed that as of Monday, the district had recorded 492 confirmed malaria cases.
He stressed the importance of community education and prevention strategies to contain the spread.
To address the growing health crisis, Dr. Celestino Dhege, the Provincial Medical Director, revealed that awareness campaigns are being rolled out across communities and healthcare centers.
These campaigns, spearheaded by multi-sectoral teams, aim to inform residents about malaria prevention and early treatment options.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care is also partnering with local community radio stations to broadcast essential information on malaria symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
“It is vital that we reach the community with accurate information to combat this disease effectively,” Dr. Dhege said.
Hon. Gwangwaba called for the government to urgently allocate more resources and coordinate efforts to support malaria control in Kariba.
“We need a well-coordinated response that prioritizes the health and safety of our people,” he emphasized.
As the region confronts this mounting public health challenge, residents remain hopeful that swift government action will help curb the spread of malaria and protect the most vulnerable.
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