01/11/2025
ROTARY CONTINUES FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA IN ZAMBIA
ROTARY International has reaffirmed its commitment to combating malaria in Zambia.
District Governor Lucie Kasanga of Rotary District 9210 spoke with the End Malaria Council (EMC)at the recently held State House fund raising golf tournament, that
Rotary's efforts have included training community health workers to detect and treat malaria, as well as providing education on prevention and nutrition.
"In partnership with global funders Rotary's partnerships with organizations such the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Vision have been instrumental, by working together, they've been able to reach more communities and save lives. Including World Vision, Rotary has trained over 2,500 community health workers in Luapula, Central and Muchinga provinces.
"We've been fighting and combating malaria from the beginning," Ms Kasanga stated.
She said the training is crucial in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. "If we have a community health worker who can intervene timely, malaria detection and treatment is key," she retaireted . "You delay treatment, you may lose the patient."
Ms Kasanga disclosed that the Rotary has invested significant funds in the fight against malaria initiative, spending over $7 million since 2021 and committing $5 million for the next three years.
She said the organization's efforts extend beyond malaria.
Ms Kasanga explained that the $5 million dollars fund is also combating pneumonia, diarrhea and malnutrition under the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge RHCC project.
She said Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge - Project are located in,
Central Province: Chisamba with the an estimated population of 172,949, (346) Community Health Workers (CHWs), have been trained .
In Ngabwe estimated population of 47,219, 94 (CHWs). Total: pop 891,445, 440 CHWs.
Northern Province: Chilubi (pop 121,896, 241 CHWs), Kasama (pop 372,656, 747 CHWs), Luwingu (pop 108,137, 226 CHWs), Mungwi (pop 219,280, 432 CHWs). Total: pop 821,969, 1646 CHWs.
Grand Total: pop 1,042,137, 2086 CHWs." Community health workers
She added that the same project is also been implemented in Mozambique, Democratic republic of Congo DRC and Nigeria
From 2024-2027.
She further highlighted Rotary's focus on mother and child health, water and sanitation, and economic development.
"By working together with local communities and health organizations, Rotary aims to make a significant impact in reducing malaria cases and improving healthcare in Zambia," she highlighted.
She emphasized that the fight against malaria requires sustained efforts and partnerships. reiterating Rotary's commitment to this cause as a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication.
"With continued support, to the End Malaria Council. Zambia can overcome malaria and create a healthier future for its citizens."
And Faith Leaders for Malaria Elimination in Zambia (FLAME) reiterated the importance of local stakeholders coming together to combat malaria. FLAME, a coalition of faith leaders from various denominations, has been advocating for better malaria policies, resources, and accountability.
Speaking at the same event, FLAME Advocacy Coordinator Mwila Chipofya, emphasized the need for local investors and stakeholders to mobilize resources for malaria elimination. "It's good that local investors and local resources are being mobilized by our stakeholders," Ms Chipofya said. "We hope that other stakeholders can come in as well and put in more resources for malaria."
FLAME's efforts are part of the End Malaria Council, and their work spans across all 10 provinces and districts in Zambia.
"With the uncertainty of global funding, local support is crucial in the fight against malaria."
FLAME's advocacy efforts aim to ensure that malaria remains a priority on the national agenda.