Rwanda plans to launch multiple new initiatives for malaria free society

Rwanda is planning to unveil new initiatives to ensure a malaria free society. According to Head of Malaria Division at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Dr Aimable Mbituyumuremyi, the country joins the international community to mark World Malaria Day on April 25.

Among the preventive measures being lined up by the end of 2009 include more vector control methods, and outdoor spraying in order to kill the mosquitoes at the larva stage. Even the process of indoor residual spraying is also included in the list of preventive measures.

Larvicide spray targets larvae in the breeding habitat before they can mature into adult mosquitoes and disperse. Larvicide treatment of breeding habitats helps reduce the adult mosquito population in nearby areas. This method has been piloted in varied parts of Rwanda, Dr Aimable Mbituyumuremyi said, as reported by The New Times.

Rwanda recorded 430,000 fewer malaria cases in 2017 in comparison to its previous year. Over 5 million bed nets (or mosquito nets) were distributed nationwide between November 2016 and March 2017. The indoor residual spraying was being conducted in the districts including Gatsibo, Kirehe, Gisagara, Bugesera, Huye, Nyagatare and Nyanza.

The government of Rwanda plans to commence distribution of mosquito repellents to complement existing measures to fight malaria. The Ministry of Health has joined hand with an American company, CS Johnson to develop mosquito repellent solutions, as reported by The New Times.

On the other hand, Rwanda may venture into the application of a malaria vaccine in the near future. The Minister of Health, Dr Diane Gashumba opined that the government is monitoring how the vaccine works elsewhere and how important it can be.

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