VANESSA A
As the whole world celebrates World Malaria Day, Rukungiri Health Educator Alban Natukunda has advised the public on possible measures to fight malaria.
While speaking to our reporter, Alban Natukunda highlighted the importance of World Malaria Day, saying it is one way of sensitizing the community about the deadly malaria disease and how people can prevent it and live a healthy life.
Alban Natukunda also pointed out that children below the age of five and pregnant mothers are at higher risk of contracting malaria due to their low immunity.
He further noted that the spread of malaria and the death rates in Rukungiri District are currently low and have significantly reduced, attributing this to the increased use of mosquito nets. He commended the public for the efforts and encouraged them to keep it up.
Alban advised the public not to abandon the practice of sleeping under mosquito nets and to repair torn ones. He reminded the community that the government distributes nets every three years, so it is important to maintain them.
He also urged family heads to clear bushes around homes, dig trenches to prevent stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, and to close windows and doors in the evening.
Additionally, Alban advised people who move at night to wear long-sleeved clothing such as sweaters and to cover exposed body parts, especially the face, as mosquitoes tend to target those areas.
