Cameroon has a
National Malaria Control Program which is represented in each region with a
Regional Malaria Control Unit. This unit is responsible for the collection of
malaria related data and making sure that all health facilities in the region
have supplies of rapid diagnostic tests, prophylaxis for pregnant women,
seasonal malaria prophylaxis (in certain regions), bed nets for pregnant women,
and malaria treatments.
The goals of the
program over the next few years focus on the prevention and management of
malaria. In every region they want to do the following: increase to 80% the use
of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in the entire population (especially pregnant
women and children under five years old), protect at least 80% of pregnant
women through the use of Intermittent Preventative Treatment (a prophylaxis
used during pregnancy), test at least 80% of suspected cases of malaria in
health centers with either rapid diagnostic tests or microscopy, treat 100% of
confirmed cases of malaria in health centers. So, the National Malaria Control
Program is promoting things like Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets, malaria
prophylaxis for pregnant women, and early test-seeking and proper treatment.
There are national
policies that Cameroon has put in place in order to help control the spread of
malaria, such as pregnant women receive a free mosquito net at their antenatal
consultation, rapid diagnostic tests and treatment are free for children under
five years old, and malaria prophylaxis is given to pregnant women at their
consultations.
Though there is
still a long way to go, Cameroon has started taking some positive steps toward
eradicating malaria in Cameroon.
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