Mpika District Administrative Officer Steven Mulenga has urged stakeholders in the district to intensify efforts in the fight against malaria.
Mr Mulenga warned that malaria still remains the leading cause of illness in the district despite a notable decline in cases.
He was speaking during the commemoration of World Malaria Day held yesterday in Kapiri compound of Mpika District.
Mr Mulenga revealed that malaria incidence dropped from 836.9 cases per 1,000 population in 2024 to 743.4 per 1,000 in 2025.
However, he expressed concern over continued deaths and a rise in infections among children under five and pregnant women.
“Malaria remains the leading cause of illness in this district, and that demands strong, concerted efforts from all of us,” he said.
He appealed to community members to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and to seek medical attention within 24 hours of experiencing symptoms.
Mr Mulenga has since called on community leaders to strengthen public engagement in order to further reduce malaria cases in the district.
He urged health workers to maintain quality service delivery and appealed to cooperating partners to sustain support for malaria interventions.
He further highlighted the importance of key interventions, including indoor residual spraying, distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, and early diagnosis and treatment.
Mr Mulenga added that pregnant women should attend antenatal care regularly and take preventive malaria medication.
Speaking earlier, Mpika District Director of Health Services Arthur Mataka said the government, through the Ministry of Health, has intensified efforts to eliminate malaria and has recorded measurable progress in reducing malaria-related deaths in the district.
Mr Mataka added that significant investments are being made in both treatment and prevention, stressing that the health of Zambians remains a top government priority.
Meanwhile, Faith Leaders against Malaria Elimination (FLAME) Vice Chairperson, Annie Banda urged residents to seek medical attention from certified health facilities rather than relying on traditional or faith-based remedies when ill.
Ms Banda warned that delays in seeking proper treatment and self-medication have contributed to preventable deaths in the district.
She further encouraged communities to consistently use mosquito nets.
“Malaria elimination can only be achieved through united efforts at all levels of society,” she said.
