Malaria remains the most important public health problem in Papua New Guinea.
Aiming to tackle this problem the Health Department launched its National Malaria Control Strategic Plan yesterday in conjunction with the World Malaria Day at Kemabolo Community School in the Central Province.
Minister for Health and HIV, Michael Malabag in the launching of the department’s National Malaria Control Strategic Plan and the celebration of Malaria Day, said the disease is the leading cause of most admissions to hospitals.
Malaria is the leading killer disease in the country. It kills up to 7000 people and makes 1.9 million people sick each year.
He said only a small number or percentage of people are receiving the recommended treatment and urged the department to improve the public health system and reach the rural majority.
He added that the National Malaria Control Programme had not received prominence as a priority public health program however the implementation of the last National Malaria Strategic Plan 2009-2013 has moved forward providing quality diagnosis and effective treatment.
The National Malaria Control Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018 aims to provide the guidance needed to implement and source resources to reduce the malaria burden in PNG.
Michael Malabag – Minister for Health & HIV
The strategic plan will be implemented together with the National Health plan.
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