Anesushe Mamhute
The Ministry of Health and Child Care in Chiredzi is embarking on a mass drug administration campaign against lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), bilharzia and other tropical diseases that are prevalent in the district.
The campaign, which runs from 16 – 28 September, 2024, targets everyone aged two years and above. Vaccines are administered at the nearest health facility in the district including mobile and poly-clinics.
Elephantiasis is a tropical disease caused parasites that are transmitted through mosquito bites and contaminated water. Semi-arid Chiredzi is one of the districts with the highest mosquito infestations in the country.
District Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dhlandhlara (pictured) encouraged the people to support the initiative which he said was meant to improve healthcare in Chiredzi.
“The mass drug administration programme aims to tackle neglected tropical diseases which are still prevalent in our district. We ought to eradicate bilharzia, intestinal worms and elephantiasis,” said Dhlandhlara.
He said the tropical diseases could cause severe long-term damage to the health of victims if medical attention was not sought early enough.
“We put ourselves at risk of these diseases that can cause long term disability if left untreated. All ages are affected by elephantiasis, and this means men and women are equally at risk too,” he said.
Signs and symptoms of infection include swelling but at a later stage, such conditions as elephantiasis (severe swelling and skin thickening), lymphedema (chronic swelling), and hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum) begin to develop.
