Malaria infection rates are raising again in Homalin Township, located in the upper Sagaing Region, and health department officials report an urgent need for medicine.
According to a volunteer health worker, records show that between 16 May and 10 June, there were 99 cases of malaria in Nanset village, part of the Bo Kone village-tract in Homalin Township, including cases among children.
“Currently, there isn’t enough medicine or malaria testing kits. In just over 20 days, nearly 100 people have been infected with malaria,” he said.
Of the reported malaria cases, 98 were identified as the Plasmodium vivax (Pv) strain, while 1 case was confirmed as the Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) strain.
Additionally, 66 malaria cases were reported between 16 May and 6 June in Ton Pay village, Bo Kon village tract.
During the early rainy season, Homalin Township can experience thousands of malaria cases, particularly in areas along the Chindwin and Uru River. However, there is a significant shortage of medicine to treat those affected.
A young man familiar with the pharmaceutical trade in Homalin Township said, “Since the 2021 coup, importing malaria drugs has become very difficult. It’s treated almost like a restricted item. This situation is common now. They will probably not be very serious.”
According to locals and health workers, malaria cases are currently being reported in Banmauk Township, which borders Bo Kone Village Tract in Homalin Township, and there is a shortage of medicines.
According to health reports, there were no malaria outbreaks in Homalin Township in 2022 and 2023. However, local residents say the outbreak has resumed in 2024.
Sent by Shanni Voice