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According to the latest data available from the World Health Organization, 228 million cases of malaria were confirmed worldwide in 2018, of which 405,000 people died.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize addresses a press conference on July 13, 2020. Image: @ DrZweliMkhize / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) celebrates Malaria Day, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has warned South Africans about the dangers of contracting malaria, especially as many are expected to travel home during the festive season.
According to the latest data available from the World Health Organization, 228 million cases of malaria were confirmed worldwide in 2018, of which 405,000 died.
Malaria has been declared an epidemic in parts of Africa, but the ambitious goal of the SADC region is to eliminate the disease by 2023.
“The new normal requires us to apply our minds and adjust to COVID-19, which is wreaking havoc on our communities and economy in ways that malaria has never done. Therefore, let us be aware and take precautionary measures with both pandemics to find a balance and mitigation measures accordingly, ”said Mkhize.
The world has been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the midst of it all, Mkhize warned that it was important that the continent also continue to focus on the impact of malaria.
“The symptoms of malaria can very well mimic the symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, it is imperative that when one experiences flu-like symptoms that they seek medical attention as soon as possible.”
The SADC region aims to eliminate malaria by 2023, leaving only three years to meet this ambitious goal.
In 2016, the SADC region accumulated 47 million cases in a population of 275 million people.
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