400-plus treated for Malaria in Madang

**Community malaria volunteers conducting rapid diagnostic testing at Bogia Health Centre in Madang on April 25. – Picture courtesy of Janet Kari**

MORE than 400 persons in Madang’s Usino-Bundi and Bogia were tested and treated for malaria during World Malaria Day last Thursday.
Madang health authority, in partnership with Rotarians Against Malaria, celebrated the day by conducting rapid diagnostic testing and treatment of malaria as well as carrying out programmes on immunisation, nutrition and health awareness.
World Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25 to signify the fight against malaria and death toll worldwide.
Provincial malaria supervisor Winnie Rambayipma said Usino-Bundi and Bogia were high-burden districts.
She said observing the days was important for awareness.
Rambayipma said there was a need for collective efforts from all stakeholders in the fight against malaria.
“Usino saw a large number of people with 346 tests while at Bogia, we had 63 tests conducted during the day. From the 409 tests conducted in both centres, 172 persons tested positive to malaria and were treated,” said Rambayipma. Deputy director of programmes in public health, Karoi Kamac, said the health teams also conducted children’s immunisation, nutrition and health education to more than 500 persons who attended the event both in Bogia and Usino.
He also thanked the dedicated community malaria volunteers, health care workers, health partners, the Rotarians Against Malaria, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the district development authority, and district health teams who supported the event.