TEHRAN – Recognizing the need for urgent action to eradicate the rapidly increasing number of malaria cases in the southeastern region, the Government of Japan has made a significant donation to support the efforts of the World Health Organization.
The donation includes 4,902 mosquito dome tents to protect families from infected mosquitoes, 50,000 rapid malaria diagnostic tests (RDTs) to help healthcare workers quickly identify and treat infected people, and mosquito This includes 1,655 kg of pesticides deployed to contain the population at its source. . The combination of these resources is estimated to benefit 77,400 people in the state, the WHO website announced in a press release on January 15.
In 2018 and 2019, the Islamic Republic of Iran appeared to have won the battle against locally transmitted malaria. This victory turned out to be fragile. In 2022, the state experienced a staggering five-fold increase in malaria cases compared to the previous year.
The dramatic increase in cases is believed to be due to devastating floods in neighboring Pakistan in September 2022, which led to an expansion of malaria breeding grounds. A porous border with Pakistan (which allows infected people and mosquitoes to cross easily), as well as poverty, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and inadequate housing create ideal conditions for malaria transmission. , posing significant challenges.
In December 2024, a WHO mission highlighted the proactive approach to malaria control demonstrated by local health workers as they conducted door-to-door testing, distributed bed nets, and educated communities on how to use bed nets. I inspected it.
Mikiko Chiga, WHO Deputy Representative and Head of Health Emergencies for the Islamic Republic of Iran, said: “Active case finding complements passive surveillance, especially in some areas of Chabahar where access to health care is extremely limited.” It is essential in society.”
“By identifying both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, we can effectively break the cycle of transmission and advance efforts towards malaria eradication, especially in communities with low health literacy associated with reduced healthcare-seeking behavior.” We can support you.”
The mission provided valuable insights into Chabahar’s health infrastructure and highlighted capacities and gaps. Social determinants of health have been identified as key factors influencing the prevalence of malaria, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Our partnership with the Government of Japan is an example of how international cooperation in responding to public health emergencies can help protect vulnerable populations.
The fight against malaria continues in Chabahar and other Sistan-Baluchestan provinces. It is hoped that cooperation between the WHO, the Japanese government, and local health authorities will contain this outbreak.
In October 2024, the Japanese government procured 50,000 rapid malaria diagnostic tests and 4,902 mosquito-proof dome tents to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health to combat the malaria epidemic in Sistan-Baluchestan. .
The tests were distributed to health centers and hospitals in Sistan-Baluchestan province through the province’s three medical universities: Zahedan University, Iranshahr University and Chabahar University.
Mosquito tents were distributed to the same three medical colleges in the state.
Syed Jafar Hussein, WHO Director and Head of Delegation to the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasized the far-reaching impact of the donations, saying, “The impact of these donations, made with the support of the Japanese government, will provide immediate malaria prevention. These efforts extend beyond diagnosis to reduce malaria in the region by strengthening the capacity of local health systems. Contributing to the long-term goal of eradication: The use of rapid diagnostic tests can quickly identify suspected cases of malaria, reducing the risk of serious illness and death. Also, the use of mosquito repellent tents. It provides practical and effective protection for those most at risk and helps break the transmission cycle of malaria.”
The comprehensive support provided by WHO and the Government of Japan will strengthen the country’s capacity to fight malaria, protect public health, and contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of affected populations.
MT/MG