Malaria widespread in remote Karimui

By SAMUEL RAITANO

 

THE Chimbu health department has reported malaria cases to be widespread in the remote Karimui district in Chimbu with an unconfirmed report of 10 lives already lost, The National reports.

Chimbu principal health adviser Cain Tommy, while reporting the matter, said a team of health officials from the Kundiawa General Hospital were flown yesterday to assist medical staff on the ground following the alert made to the headquarter.

Tommy said 10 officials were sent to assist the staff in the five existing medical facilities at Bomai, Kapi, Karimui, Negabo and Aya.

It was also being reported that flu had hit the district at the same proportion, but it was not confirmed if it was linked to the prevalence of malaria.

Tommy thanked Karimui-Nomane MP Posi Menai, the provincial administration and the district administration for assisting in the charter of aircraft to deliver medical supplies to the affected area at a cost of about K50, 000.

Tommy, who had once served in the district from 2002 to 2007, said the area was rugged and it was a difficult task working in those areas especially during wet seasons.

He commended the medical staff for working tirelessly and faithfully in giving health services to the people in much need, under harsh conditions.

Other basic services to the district were also said to have deteriorated and government attention was a need for the people in Karimui.

Attempts to contact the provincial administrator was unsuccessful, however, the situation of containing the malaria cases were said to be going well.