Sleeping under a mosquito net is a very simple thing to do.
But it is also the biggest challenge for the National Health Department and partners.
Leo Makita, Program Manager Malaria says that “getting people to sleep under a mosquito net every day is a big challenge.
Still, this is the most basic rule in malaria prevention, he says.
“Our aim is to make sure people use mosquito nets and are getting tested and treated,” he said.
Makita and the team from the National Department of Health were out today with partners including the Rotarian against Malaria and PSI (Population Services International) Papua New Guinea to commemorate the World Malaria Day.
Makita said aside from awareness, the day was also to look at achievements in terms of malaria control in the country.
He said the greatest achievement was the decrease of incidences from 18 percent to very low levels of 2 percent in the last decade.
This, he said, was due to strategies employed, including, use of mosquito nets, use of new treatments and diagnosis made throughout the country.
However, Makita says Malaria has not been eradicated. It is still a public health problem, even though people don’t realise it.
“Some areas still do have very high infection rates. Those are areas we aim to target,” he said.