Asmara, 25 April 2009 – In a press release it issued today in connection with World Malaria Day, the Ministry of Health disclosed that malaria and death rate resulting from the epidemic has been dramatically reduced decreased and that no spread of the infection has been witnessed over the past 8 years.

The release noted that such significant reduction has been scored as a result of the coordinated endeavors made to control the infection, the distribution of sufficient and effective anti-malaria medicine, the provision of malaria nets to the population free of charge, as well as the active popular participation in maintaining environmental sanitation.

It further pointed out that the observance of the Day is aimed at raising public awareness as regards the control and treatment of the disease, and thereby prevent it from entailing socio-economic problems.

The head of malaria control department in the Ministry, Dr. Tewolde Gebremeskel, told ERINA that using anti-mosquito drugged nets is decisive in controlling and reducing the spread of the epidemic. To this end, he called on every citizen to make enhanced contribution, and thus promote the awareness of the society at large.

WHO reports indicate that out of the malaria infected persons numbering over 500 million in the world, more than a million die annually.