The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has called on the public especially those who recently travelled to and from malaria endemic areas to seek medical treatment when they experience malaria related symptoms which includes fever, chills, headache, and other flu like symptoms. 

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko made the call as part of observing of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Day. Annual on 06 November the day is observed to create awareness about malaria and mobilise the community to participate in various malaria control programmes. 

“With the festive season fast approaching, we encourage people who will be travelling to and from malaria endemic areas to take prophylaxis before their visit. Complicated malaria cases and deaths are caused by Malaria infected patients who delay seeking medical help from the health facility and only visit the health centres when malaria disease has progressed from mild to complicated malaria”, cautioned MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

The MEC further expressed a concern that, while malaria is a preventable and treatable disease from which no one should die, especially if diagnosed and treated early. “It remains worrying that from January to September 2022 Gauteng as a province recorded 1 103 cases with 11 deaths. Most of malaria cases recorded in the province are from Mozambique followed by Malawi, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. For every person who dies it is one death too many, therefore, we are working with multiple stakeholders including the tourism and transport sectors to fight this disease,” stated MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

Gauteng as a province, is commemorating SADC Malaria Day from the 06 -11 November 2022 by scaling up awareness and educating the public about malaria prevention, symptoms, and treatment throughout the province, with a specific focus on transport nodes, multimedia platforms, door-to-door campaigns etc. 

Ends 

Issued by Gauteng Department of Health 

For more information, contact Tshepo Shawa, MEC Spokesperson on 072 222 6333 or Tshepo.Shawa@gauteng.gov.za 

OR 

Motalatale Modiba, Head of Communication on 064 803 0808 or mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Department of Health’s portal at www.gauteng.gov.za