ONGWEDIVA – The Oshakati Town Council jointly with the Ministry of Health and Social Services will carry out an intensive malaria vector spraying programme starting from today October 28 until November 30, 2013.

According to Oshakati Town Council Corporate Communication Officer Jackson Muma, this exercise has been necessitated by the 2012 malaria statistics of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which indicates malaria cases in urban areas are on the increase when compared to rural areas.

This programme thus aims at reducing cases of malaria in Oshakati as much as possible.

The spraying exercise will cover the entire town of Oshakati, starting from Oshakati West, to Oshakati East and thereafter will continue to all informal settlements.

The vector spray officials start their work every day from 08h00 to17h00 during the duration of the programme, according to Muma.

“The K Othrine chemical will be used on a small scale of 2.5 cubic centimeters per square meter inside the living rooms. It has been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for malaria vector control and has no side effects when used at a recommended rate. It does not have colour and does not run off to spoil the sprayed surface. The K Othrine is different from DDT which is usually used in rural areas,” said Muma.

Oshakati Town Council requests residents to accord cooperation and full support to the officials who will be approaching their houses regarding the programme.

He advised residents to leave attendants at their houses to assist during the duration of the malaria-spraying programme.

“It should be noted that the officials will not spray any house which does not have anybody to assist. In case of any eventualities, residents are encouraged to contact the office of the Oshakati Town Council,” he said.

 

By Helvy Shaanika