Scientists in the country have expressed concern at the new trends the malaria carrying parasites –anopheles have taken.
Macha research trust scientific director dr sungano mharakurwa however stated the area his research trust covers has experienced a reduction in the malaria death from 1000 deaths to three per annum for the past ten years.
He noted that the most recent and drastic reduction of malaria has been between 2004 and 2010 and this has subsequently helped in reducing child mortality rate.
Radio phoenix staffer Rhoda mfwango reports from Macha research trust in choma district that the trust covers about 2000 square kilometers and works in alliance with 13 health posts covering over 150,000 people in namwala, kalomo and choma.
Dr mharakurwa explained that as the trust is utilizing all the possible means to eradicate malaria, emphasized that the aspect where mosquitoes hibernate and only resurfaces at particular time and seasons which now poses a big challenge when it comes to fight the disease.
He however explained that the macha trust has today partnered with other institutions like the Melinda and bill gates foundation to set up traps in areas which are mainly prone to mosquitoes breeding so asto find a solution to this.
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And Dr mharakurwa however commended government for introducing the artimistry combination drugs saying this even as it is the policy of the world health organization has helped in the eradication of malaria in the country.
He stated that with the political will form government, partnership and the expertise at play in the country, it is possible to eradicate malaria.
He was however pointed out that funding and capacity among the staff to carry out the work has always been a challenge not for macha alone but other institutions.
Meanwhile, dr mharakurwa disclosed that macha research trust will soon be expanding to nchelenge, katate and Zimbabwe.
He also disclosed that macha research trust has carried out investigations which have proved that the parasites dna and proteins can be detected in the saliva as well.
Dr mharakurwa has further emphasized the need for dialogue and partnerships with traditional healers when dealing with certain diseases as they played a critical role in the eradication of malaria.
Zambia has made significant strides in the eradication of malaria and has predicted to meet this millennium development goal by 2015.
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