Nokwanda Dlangamandla | kzn@radioislam.org.za
2 min read | 00:20

Photo credit: Univ. Of Pretoria
SADC Malaria Day

At least eleven individuals died from malaria in Gauteng between January and September, signalling that the disease is again on the rise.

Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, announced as Southern African Development Community Malaria Day was observed yesterday. There were more than 1,102 instances of malaria reported between January and September of this year.

Siphiwe Gumede, GDOH Assistant Directorate responsible for Health Promotion under Public Health, spoke with Radio Islam International and argued that the Malaria cases affecting Gauteng are imported from places like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ethiopia.

Gumede advised travellers’ leaving malaria-endemic regions to call doctors immediately and take safety precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. He has also warned residents not to venture outside at night because mosquitoes are most active.

Additionally, he has warned against pregnant women visiting areas where malaria is expected because they have a significant risk of contracting the disease.

Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, has urged community members, particularly those who have recently travelled to or from malaria-endemic areas, to seek medical attention if they experience malaria-related symptoms. Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, and other flu-like symptoms during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Day, observed from November 6 to November 11.

Listen to the full interview with Yusuf Moosagie and his guest Siphiwe Gumede, GDOH Assistant Directorate responsible for Health Promotion under Public Health, on the show Your World Today.