Malaria remains prevalent

By ZINA KOIM
MALARIA remains a major contributor to many ill Papua New Guineans, according to Tamarah Koleala, deputy laboratory head at PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR).
Speaking on World Malaria Day in Port Moresby on Tuesday, Koleala said: “From our molecular surveillance of febrile illness cases attending our sentinel sit facilities about half are caused by malaria.
“Seventy per cent of these cases (are) being caused by plasmodium falciparum,” she said.
She said malaria could be prevented and cured but it has killed many people.
“Malaria is preventable and curable, yet it kills hundreds of thousands of people,” Koleala said.
“It continues to pose a significant threat to millions around the world.
“By working in partnership, we can leverage our collective resources and expertise to achieve greater impact and accelerate progress towards ending malaria,”
Koleala said working in partnerships will be beneficial in many ways.
“It enables us to share knowledge, resources and expertise and coordinate our efforts more effectively,”
By doing that, duplication of effort can be avoided and resources can be used in the most efficient and effective way, she said.
Koeala said how PNGIMR, through its molecular hub and partners, had supported national malaria programmes to try to wipe out malaria in the country.
“Working in partnership has demonstrated to us that workflow is efficient and effective but more importantly promotes sustainability,” she said.
“By bringing together different organisations and stakeholders, we have and can continue to increase the visibility and awareness of the issues and attract more funding to support our work.”