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At least 131 people died of malaria in Zimbabwe in a new outbreak, increasing pressure on a country that is already struggling to deal with Covid-19.
The deaths occurred in 201 outbreaks registered across the country, according to the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe blockade has been extended for two weeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“The cumulative figures for malaria are 135,585 [cases] and 131 deaths. A total of 201 malaria outbreaks have been reported across the country, mainly from malarial provinces such as Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland East, ”reads a report seen by The Guardian.
Malaria transmission is seasonal and unstable, causing illness and death in all age groups. In Zimbabwe, epidemics occasionally occur during the hot and humid season, particularly in February, March, and April.
Health experts predict that the numbers will continue to rise across the country, although the true numbers may be masked by families who are unable to access clinics or do not report cases.
Zimbabwe had seen a decline in malaria, but its success began to reverse in recent years. Malaria represents between 30% and 50% of outpatient appointments in malaria-prone areas, according to the Ministry of Health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Zimbabwe that there is a risk of paying less attention to diseases such as malaria when fighting Covid-19.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, the malaria community must remain committed to supporting the prevention of malaria infection, disease, and death through preventive and case management services, while maintaining a safe environment for patients. , clients and staff. Deaths due to malaria and its comorbidities (anemia, malnutrition, etc.) must continue to be prevented, “said a recent WHO report.
Malaria, along with AIDS and tuberculosis, is one of the biggest killers in Zimbabwe. However, unlike Covid-19, the disease is treatable locally using rapid diagnostic tests.
The recent outbreak comes as the country’s health system faces a severe shortage of medications amid worsening economic conditions.
The health system is at risk of failure in the event of a widespread Covid-19 outbreak. The virus to date has infected 25 people, killing three.
Zimbabwe’s health sector has been paralyzed since last year after months of strikes over poor working conditions, and doctors say patients were dying due to a lack of medical supplies. Two weeks ago, the government was brought to court for failing to provide masks to doctors working on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Zimbabwe’s once vibrant health system has collapsed in the past two decades, largely due to an economic crisis. This has raised questions about the country’s ability to cope with the coronavirus and a possible outbreak of malaria.
The country entered a second phase of national closure on Monday with a 14-day extension. Authorities say they want to expand tests that have so far been kept low due to inadequate test kits.
