City school’s students, staff receive 3000 mosquito nets

THREE-THOUSAND mosquito nets were distributed to students and staff of New Erima Primary during the launching of the World Malaria Day yesterday in Port Moresby.
Minister of Health and HIV/AIDS Sir Puka Temu said PNG had been getting help from outside agencies to fight malaria in previous years but from this year, the country would stand up for itself and
fight.
He said the malaria campaign embarked on key messages to the public – always sleep
under a treated mosquito net, go to the hospital and get tested
when suspecting malaria and complete all malaria doses in three days when the results confirm positive.
New Erima Primary head teacher Yalo Kipungi told The National that the 3000 mosquito nets given to the school matched the current population of the school, including staff and their families.
“It is the first time for our school to be selected for World Malaria Day launching and it is something that will really benefit everyone,” Kipungi said.
He said most of the students were coaming from nearby settlements like Morata one and two, Wild Life, ATS, 8-Mile and 9-Mile.
These areas were surrounded by swamps.
Kipungi said students were knowledgeable about malaria and hoped they and their parents and guardians would make use of the nets.
“Many of the students coming to school are affected everyday by the malaria sickness they get from the poor living conditions in their environment,” he said.