Over 3 million cases of malaria were recorded in Cameroon in 2022 alone.

The figures were revealed by the National Program for the Fight Against Malaria (PNLP) in Cameroon on the occasion of the 16th World Malaria Day observed on April 25th 2023. The day is being observed annually to bring global attention to the efforts being made to bring an end to malaria and encourage action to reduce suffering and death from the disease.

World Malaria Day this year is celebrated under the theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”. Within this theme, WHO will focus on the third “I” – implement – and notably on the critical importance of reaching marginalized populations with the tools and strategies that are available today.

Malaria remains one of the diseases that affects many people in the West region and in Cameroon as a whole as statistics show that 30% of consultations in health facilities are malaria – related cases.

According to Dr Claude Belanquale, Head of the Bangang Medical Center in the Bamboutos, malaria is caused by parasites.

“Malaria is a disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and presents with fever, joint pain, headache, lack of appetite, and vomiting as signs and symptoms.”

“The severity of malaria varies based on the species of plasmodium and can generally be avoided by preventing the transmission of the plasmodium parasite by sleeping under long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets as recommended by the World Health Organization. A mosquito repellent can also be used to prevent mosquito bites. In addition, surroundings should be kept very clean and pregnant women can take prophylactic treatment to prevent possible infection,” Dr Belanquale adds.

In terms of treatment, Dr Belanquale says the disease can be treated.

“Malaria can be treated based on its severity. Simple malaria can be treated using Artemisin-based combined therapy or amodiaquine, sulphadoxine, or quinine tablets. Severe malaria can be managed using injectable treatments.”

Cameroon is among the 10 African countries with the highest malaria cases but diagnosis and treatment remain poor. Since 2017, the armed conflict in the North West and South West regions has led to the displacement of over 700,000 people and the closure of over 35 percent of health facilities. As a result, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been unable to access essential health services, including malaria prevention and treatment.

Source: Cameroon News Agency