BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE– Old Mutual has donated E25 000 to the End Malaria Fund.
The event was held today (April 18, 2024) at Old Mutual Head Offices in Mbabane. The event was graced by the presence of Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula, who thanked Old Mutual for this kind gesture, stating that the financial service company was making a positive contribution towards fighting malaria.
Matsebula said despite the ongoing challenges posed by malaria, the Ministry of Health reported promising signs of progress in the fight against the disease during the peak transmission period from March 2024 to April 2024. Compared to the same period last year, a significant reduction in cases from 199 to 16 was recorded.
Matsebula stated that Eswatini was still on course towards the goal of malaria elimination, despite ongoing challenges related to the importation of malaria. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the National Malaria Programme to implement strategic interventions in areas where malaria is prevalent. The Minister also highlighted positive developments, noting a significant decline in cases from 25 to 16 during the peak transmission period of March to April 2024, compared to the corresponding period in 2022/23, which saw an increase from 199 to 200 cases.
Further elaborating on the successful interventions that contributed to the reduction in malaria cases, Hon Mduduzi Matsebula cited the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets in targeted areas, which significantly reduced cases among the mobile population. He also acknowledged that more progress could have been achieved had it not been for the shortage of essential antimalarial drugs, mefloquine and primaquine, at the start of the malaria season.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation for Old Mutual’s contribution to the End Malaria Fund and expressed his hope that this was only the beginning of their commitment to this critical cause. He emphasised the importance of maintaining funding to sustain the interventions necessary for malaria elimination, which has been a central part of His Majesty’s vision. He also acknowledged the need for continued vigilance against malaria, as it has been observed that transmission has become more continuous throughout the year, even in winter.
Old Mutual Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nosimilo Simelane expressed the company’s delight in being part of the initiative to curb the spread of malaria, stating that the company was happy to be giving back to the community we serve. She conveyed the company’s belief that its donation of E25 000 would play a significant role in the ultimate goal of ending malaria, and acknowledged that this is a long-term challenge that requires sustained commitment and collective effort from all stakeholders.
