JUBA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday at least 391,000 new malaria infections and 19 deaths have been recorded since the start of 2017 across South Sudan.
Lincoln Charimari, head of WHO Malaria program in South Sudan told Xinhua that the country has been recording steady increase in new malaria cases over the past five years as infections among people over 5 years increased from 700,000 in 2012 to 1.1 million in 2016 and another 600,000 children under 5 years also got infected.
The official blames increased rainfall patterns, displacement of people, logistical challenges caused by poor road network of roads, floods, and under staffed health facilities for pushing up the infection rate.
"The whole population of South Sudan is at risk of malaria but within that we have got groups like pregnant women and children under 5 years are the ones that are at greater risks," Charimari said.
Charimari said the Greater Equatoria and Western regions of South Sudan recorded the highest malaria prevalence rate compared to other regions.
He called for increased efforts to enhance prevention and treatment of the life-threatening disease.
"We need to scale up the distribution of effective long lasting insecticide-treated nets before the rainy season sets in and where possible and feasible we need to introduce residual spraying, and also improve health behavior of the people in terms of seeking care,"
According to official data from the World Health Organization, nearly half of the world's population remains at risk of malaria with 214 million new cases of the disease reported in 95 countries last year alone and another 400,000 killed.
Malaria can be prevented by sleeping under insecticide-treated bed-nets, indoor residual spraying, and rapid diagnostic testing among others.
Countries across the globe on Tuesday marked the World Malaria Day with calls for strong political commitment and funding to eliminate the parasitic disease by 2030.
