Press Releases
U.S. donates insecticides worth $1.3 million for start of 2007/2008 National Indoor Residual Spraying season.
September 13, 2007. Lusaka
Lusaka – The United States Government today supplied insecticides worth $1.3 million to the Ministry of Health National Malaria Control Center for use in the 2007 spray season. For the second year in a row, the American people have committed vital support for indoor residual spraying (IRS). U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Koplovsky handed over the insecticides to the Minister of Health Dr. Brian Chituwo at Kalingalinga School Grounds during a ceremony that also marked the launch of the 2007/2008 National IRS campaign.
Malaria exists in nine Zambian provinces, and is the number one cause of death and illness in Zambia. Last year, nearly five million Zambians were stricken with malaria; and many thousands died from the disease. Spraying will help protect about four million people against malaria—more than one out of every three Zambians. This year’s spraying campaign will cover more than 700,000 homes in 15 districts throughout Zambia.
Indoor Residual Spraying plays a key role in malaria prevention, and has been one of the primary prevention strategies in Zambia since 2001.
Last year, with U.S. Government support, the Ministry of Health’s National Malaria Control Center sprayed nearly 600,000 households. Although spraying is a vital strategy to control malaria, other steps must be taken as well. U.S. Government support in 2007 includes purchasing and distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets; providing rapid diagnostic tests to health facilities; and offering intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women. In total, the U.S. Government, through USAID, is providing $9.4 million in 2007 to support activities under Zambia’s National Malaria Strategic Plan.
Last December Zambia was selected to receive funding under President Bush’s Malaria Initiative. Now in its third year, the Initiative aims to reduce malaria deaths by 50 percent in 15 African countries. Last June First Lady Laura Bush paid a visit to Zambia, in part to announce the distribution of nearly a half million mosquito nets. Her visit underscored both the U.S. commitment towards controlling malaria and the fact that people in Washington see Zambia as a strong partner in this challenge.
Mr. Koplovsky commended the Zambian Government for its thoughtful and forward looking strategy for combating malaria. “The U.S. Government commitment to assist and reinforce Zambia’s efforts through the President’s Malaria Initiative is an important priority for us,” he said. Dr. Chituwo thanked USAID and other partners for the immeasurable support to the IRS program. “My ministry alone could not achieve the successes attained so far. It is in the spirit of partnership and community participation that the battle against malaria is going to be won,” he said.
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