Burundi Aims To Reduce Malaria Cases by 50% by 2010, 80% by 2012

Burundi's Ministry of Health last week announced plans to reduce malaria cases in the country by 50% by the end of 2010 and by 80% by 2012, IRIN News reports. Malaria accounts for 50% of all deaths among children younger than age five and more than half of deaths among pregnant women, Health Minister Emmanuel Gikoro said, adding, "These figures show that malaria is the first cause of mortality and morbidity in Burundi." Gikoro was speaking at an event held Feb. 18 to mark the country's National Anti-Malaria Day.

Gikoro added that between two million and 2.5 million malaria cases are reported annually. In addition, 77% of children and 73% of pregnant women with malaria also have anemia, he said. The Burundi government this year plans to increase access to malaria treatment and insecticide-treated nets, and the country's national malaria program includes an action plan that focuses on prevention and treatment at the community level. According to IRIN News, the government has allocated a portion of its budget for malaria control efforts and has received other donations (IRIN News, 2/19).