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The Ministry of Health has announced a significant reduction in malaria cases in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province.
According to Nchelenge District Malaria Elimination Officer, Dr. Charles Tembo, the malaria incidence rate across all age groups dropped from 712 per 1,000 in 2020 to 454 per 1,000 in 2024.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lusaka, Dr. Tembo further revealed that the case fatality rate had also declined from 59 per 1,000 in 2021 to just 8 per 1,000 in 2024.
“Malaria has been the leading cause of illness and death in the district, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five,” Tembo said.
He attributed the reduction in cases to multiple interventions aimed at prevention and early treatment.
These included indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the continuous distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to pregnant women through antenatal clinics and to children under five through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
“The district also provides treatment for all individuals who test positive for malaria through its 26 health facilities. Additionally, community health workers trained in Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) test and treat malaria cases at the community level,” he explained.
Tembo also highlighted the implementation of the Malaria Chiefdom Initiative in all four chiefdoms of Nchelenge District.
“This initiative has helped promote early health-seeking behaviour, with traditional leaders playing a key role in raising awareness,” he said.
Tembo added that Community Change Agents (CCAs) were actively sensitizing residents on malaria prevention, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when and where to seek treatment.
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