Fatshimetrie, September 23, 2024
The fight against malaria is a major public health issue in Bandundu, a region located in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The population of this area is regularly made aware of the importance of sleeping under a long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito net (LLIN) to protect themselves against bites from mosquitoes that carry the disease.
Dr. Matthieu Nkeri, chief physician of the Bandundu urban-rural health zone, emphasizes the importance for each head of household to ensure that all members of their family use the mosquito net regularly. This simple but effective practice can significantly contribute to reducing the number of malaria cases in the region.
It is essential that the population is well informed about the signs and symptoms of malaria in order to be able to react quickly in case of suspicion of the disease. Early and appropriate treatment is crucial to avoid malaria-related complications and deaths. The national policy to combat this disease recommends rapid access to care for all patients with malaria.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria, as the disease can have serious consequences for them and the fetus. This is why it is essential that they benefit from regular prenatal monitoring and receive preventive treatment against malaria from the beginning of pregnancy.
The fight against malaria cannot be successfully carried out without the commitment and active participation of the community. Each individual, each family, each neighborhood must be involved in the actions of prevention and control of the disease. By working together, it is possible to gradually eliminate malaria from the Bandundu region.
In addition to its consequences on the health of individuals, malaria also represents an economic burden for affected households. Expenses related to medical treatments and work days lost due to the disease can severely impact family income.
In conclusion, the fight against malaria requires a holistic and concerted approach, involving health authorities, health professionals, civil society and the population itself. By adopting simple preventive behaviors and promoting access to quality care for all, it is possible to move towards a future where malaria will no longer be a scourge for the Bandundu region.