BY FIONA MOTSA
MBABANE- Great advances.
Eswatini has became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to pass the National Malaria Elimination Policy in 2011, and later set a target for elimination by the year 2020.
According to Eswatini Malaria Fund, malaria infects more than 200 million people in Africa each year, killing 380 000. The Kingdom of Eswatini is working hard to become the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate Malaria.
According to Steven Mthethwa the End Malaria Fund was established to ensure that Eswatini had the necessary resources to succeed in the fight against Malaria.
“Ending malaria must remain a strategic priority for all sectors and at all levels from national down to the community”, he said.
In an interview with Mthethwa who is the Director of Eswatini Malaria Fund, Mthethwa pointed out that the fund raised E10 million through funding and in-kind support.
“There is still a need to raise funds to the value of E75 million to close the funding gap within the National Malaria Program and sustain malaria elimination thereafter.
Mthethwa explained the importance of getting the media on board as they are key role in disseminating information, especially with regards to mobilizing the public on the elimination of malaria in Eswatini.
“The establishment of this fund has created a platform for the Youth of Eswatini to contribute in the strategy of creating a Youth Army that will lead the malaria elimination agenda”, said Mthethwa .
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant, freshwater environments, such as puddles, swamps or ponds.
