Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health has started a public awareness exercise as part of strategies to stop the spread of elephantiasis in the country.
Elephantiasis is transmitted by the anopheles and culicine species of mosquitoes and is prevalent in 39 of Zimbabwe's 63 districts. The Ministry has been focusing on educating communities on hygiene practices and the importance of seeking medical attention for early diagnosis of symptoms.
According to Doctor Takayedza Moyo, the Ministry is actively distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets and conducting indoor residual spraying in high-risk areas.
"Our goal is to reduce mosquito populations significantly to lower the prevalence of elephantiasis,” said Dr Moyo.
“There are several community-led initiatives aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Local health workers are engaging communities in clean-up campaigns to remove stagnant water and other potential breeding grounds. Community involvement is crucial in our fight against this disease. We aim to make treatment available within reach for all affected individuals.”
Treatment for elephantiasis primarily involves managing symptoms and preventing complications. Upon infection, elephantiasis requires at least seven rounds of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine DEC. Medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) are available, and the Ministry is working to ensure these treatments are accessible at all local health facilities.
Specialized care centers, for severe cases of elephantiasis, have been established by the Ministry and they provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services.
“Our centres focus not only on medical treatment but improving the quality of life for patients,” said Dr Moyo.
Elephantiasis is a debilitating and disfiguring disease, caused by parasitic worms from mosquito bites. This neglected tropical disease affects over 120 million people worldwide.
Meanwhile malaria control efforts have been launched in Matabeleland North, while HIV/AIDS awareness and testing campaigns have been conducted in Bulawayo, Harare and Mashonaland West provinces.
