Malaria Treatment is Free For All Age Groups in all Government Hospitals and Health Centres when Confirmed by Diagnostic Test
Freetown, Mar. 20, 014 (SLENA) – The Programme Manager, National Malaria Control Programme, Dr. Samuel Juana Smith has said that malaria treatment for all ages is FREE in all public hospitals and Peripheral Health Centres..
Speaking to SLENA, Dr. Smith reiterated Malaria treatment in all government health facilities is FREE for all age groups when confirmed by the case of rapid diagnostic test or by microscopy by health workers.
The Programme Manager described malaria as one of the biggest health challenges, and endemic with stable and perennial transmission in all parts of the country, adding that the entire six (6) million population is at risk of developing the disease.
Dr. Smith called on the public to make good use of the opportunity, and ensured that they pursue their rights to the Free treatment when malaria is confirmed by a diagnostic test.
Malaria, the Programme Manager said accounts for about 50 percent of outpatient morbidity, pointing out that it is presently the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age.
Dilating on government intervention, Dr. Smith opined that the country over the past years made progress in defining the efforts required to control the impact of malaria among its citizens, including the development of a National Malaria Control Programme 2011-2015 Strategic Plan, and revising the Malaria Treatment Guidelines of December 2011 to ensure confirmation of malaria diagnosis prior to treatment with anti malaria drugs.
The government he maintained recognizes that success in malaria control relies on solid partnerships between all key players, and has been coordinating the work of partners through the Roll Back Malaria partnership for effective and resourceful treatment interventions in the treatment and prevention of malaria.
JAK/KK/MOHS/SLENA
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2014, https:. All rights reserved.
