Eradication of Malaria Disease: Speeding up filed work and conducting surveillance

The Department of Public Health is speeding up filed work and conducting surveillance for eradication of malaria disease this year.

Since 2016, Yangon Region has been free of malaria disease. However, it is important to prevent the disease from spreading again as there might be the people who migrated from other areas, carrying the malaria virus.

Early symptoms of malaria can include irritability and drowsiness, with poor appetite and trouble sleeping. These symptoms are usually followed by chills and then fever with fast breathing.

Dr. Pwint Phyu Phyu, Assistant Director, Department of Public Health (Yangon) said "There are people who have moved to Yangon Region from other areas. Those people may have malaria virus so they have to undergo blood tests and are taught about the knowledge of health. We distributed mosquito nets to those who needed among them. Malaria is more common in all townships and places where there is a lot of travelling."

According to the health official, some 100 malaria cases have been found in Yangon Region this year, and it is an increase in numbers compared to the previous years.

It is learnt that malaria can be cured within 3 to 14 days depending on the type of malaria disease.

Dr. Pwint Phyu Phyu, Assistant Director, Department of Public Health (Yangon) said "In this year, we found that there are more malaria patients in Yangon than the previous years. Some people who have had it before can relapse if they did not complete the course of medicine.   Currently, there are almost 100 patients. We will treat the malaria disease until it is complete cured. Also, the patients have to be provided with medicine depending on their age and type of virus. "

The Department of Public Health (Yangon) has set a target of eliminating Plasmodium Falciparum malaria by 2025 and all types of malaria by 2030 in Myanmar.