2023-07-30 18:58:00
Pierre N’gou Dimba, Ivorian Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage
The Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage (MSHP-CMU), announced, in a press release of which pressecotedivoire.ci received a copy, the integration, in 2024, of the vaccine once morest malaria in malaria prevention strategies implemented in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Côte d’Ivoire is in the process of developing documents and acquiring the first malaria vaccine recommended by WHO for administration to children aged 03 to 24 months in 2024. The introduction of this vaccine in the routine vaccination schedule for children contributes to the reduction of morbidity and mortality linked to malaria in this segment, which is one of the most vulnerable targets”, explains the note.
Considered a public health concern in Côte d’Ivoire despite the continuous decline in its mortality rate, malaria represents, according to the document, more than a third of the reasons for hospital consultation. Pregnant women and children from 0 to 05 years old are the most exposed to the severe form of malaria, which is fatal.
To avoid this, the Ministry of Public Health recommends adopting several preventive measures. “We must maintain a clean and healthy environment by eliminating everything that serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes (used cans, tires, barrels, flower pots, puddles of water, etc.). It is imperative to sleep every night and all year round under mosquito nets impregnated with long-lasting insecticides (MILDA). In case of fever, go within 24 hours to the hospital for the health worker to make the diagnosis and the management in order to avoid the severe form of malaria which is often fatal”, recommends the authority in in charge of health in Côte d’Ivoire.
Concerning pregnant women, they are asked to make 04 prenatal consultations to benefit from at least three doses of Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) in order to protect themselves and their future baby.
The press release also recalls that laboratory diagnostic examinations for malaria (thick blood test and RDT) and treatment for uncomplicated malaria (CTA) are free in all public hospitals in the country.
Solange ARALAMON
1690768282
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