Island sees reduction in malaria cases

 LIHIR Island in New Ireland has seen a significant reduction in malaria cases over the past three years following the implementation of malaria control interventions, statistics reveal.

One of these interventions that contributed to the decrease from 2009 to 2012 was the distribution of bed nets to all households by the Global Fund that supported the national malaria control programme, namely Rotary Against Malaria in collaboration with LICHIP and sub health district.

Statistics from all health facilities except for the Lihir Medical Clinic indicated that the number of cases recorded in 2009 was 11,783. 

There were 10,200 cases recorded in 2010 and this figure dropped to 5,165 in 2011.