World Malaria Day 2011 commemorated

Zambia’s World Malaria Day (WMD) 2011 commemoration took place in Mkushi District, Central Province, under the theme ‘Achieving Progress and Impact.’ Surveys continue to show that Zambia has achieved progress in its fight against malaria, but also that there is much work left to be done.  The Ministry of Health is encouraging commencement of treatment only when malaria is confirmed. In Mkushi this practice was on display with malaria testing at the event site. Hundreds of residents were given rapid blood tests and received a free treated mosquito net. Those who tested positive were treated immediately. Before the launch of WMD, delegates toured the Stanbic Bank adopted Children’s Ward at the district hospital. Stanbic was also a major sponsor of the event, building on their involvement in a financing mechanism that expedited the procurement of 800,000 World Bank mosquito nets into Zambia earlier this year. In Lusaka, World Malaria Day activities included a National Prayer Night at Chawama Baptist Church, environmental management activities in Garden Compound, and free malaria testing in Kamwala trading area and along Cairo Road.

Stanbic Bank, a major sponsor of the Mkushi event, was represented by their head of Marketing and Public Relations, Mr. Kamiza Chikula.

 

Chief Chitina of the Swaka people delivering the Vote of Thanks.

 

Mkushi District Commissioner Musonda Chunga speaking to his constituents during the WMD commemoration.

 

A child waits for his results after getting test for malaria.

 

A banner in the march past that officially kicked off the national World Malaria Day commemoration in Mkushi District.