Malaria escalates in Angola
2003-09-05 21:03
Johannesburg - Statistics show that the number of malaria cases in Angola has soared in the first three months of this year, the medical information service, Medinfo said on Friday.
"According to statistics released by Angola's National Directorate of Public Health and published by the Angola Press Agency, some 1 096 536 cases of malaria were recorded in that country during the first quarter of 2003, including at least 6 325 deaths," Medinfo said in a statement released in Johannesburg.
Spokesperson Dr Andrew Jamieson said in the same period last year only 54 357 cases were reported.
"These numbers are alarming, and should present a reality check for the many South African companies already doing major business in Angola and their employees, especially as the incidence of malaria appears to be vastly underreported in that country."
Jamieson said the risk of exposure to malaria was extremely high in Angola.
Several SA employess lost
Several South African companies have already lost five or more employees to malaria since launching their branches in Angola.
"The economic impact of the disease is equally significant, with productivity losses being aggravated by higher remuneration costs due to greater demand for sick leave and death benefits."
Jamieson said a customised malaria prevention programme should be implemented to reduce the risk of the disease.
Suitable personal protection should be available to employees by way of repellent sprays or creams, bed-nets and preventative medication.
Residential accommodation and work areas should be regularly sprayed to reduce mosquito populations. Diagnosed cases of malaria should be well-managed using both on-site and local healthcare facilities and employees should be continuously educated and informed about the disease.
- SAPA