BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
In a recent revelation, Kono District in Sierra Leone has been grappling with a concerning rise in malaria cases, as disclosed by Michael Aiah Yomba, the social mobilization lead attached to the District Health Management Team. During this year’s World Malaria Day commemoration, Yomba revealed that from January to April 2024, the district has recorded a staggering minimum of 39,777 positive malaria cases.
Yomba emphasized the severity of the situation, indicating that out of the 73,431 individuals seeking treatment, 72,679 cases were subjected to testing. The alarming statistics shed light on the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat the spread of malaria within the region.
The commemorative event, jointly organized by the Community Development Initiative Sierra Leone and the District Health Management Team Kono, with support from Catholic Relief Services through the Global Fund, served as a platform to address the pressing issue. With the overarching theme of “Advancing Health Equity, Gender Equity, and Human Rights,” stakeholders underscored the importance of collective action in the fight against malaria.
Peter Anthony Kaitimi, the project manager of the Community Development Initiative Sierra Leone, expressed concern over the upsurge of malaria cases in the district, urging prompt intervention from local authorities, particularly the Koidu New Sembehun City Council’s waste management department, to mitigate the situation.
Amara Keita, the manager of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society in Kono District, reiterated the significance of proactive measures in malaria prevention, emphasizing the need for community members to report cases promptly to health facilities.
The commemoration ceremony, chaired by Sahr O Fallah, the Kono District Youth Council chairman, served as a platform for stakeholders to address the escalating malaria crisis and rally for concerted efforts to curb its spread.
As the district grapples with the surge in malaria cases, urgent action is imperative to prevent further escalation and safeguard the health and well-being of the community.