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Northern Cameroon heavily hit by malaria

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  • Northern Cameroon heavily hit by malaria

    Translation Google

    Northern Cameroon , heavily hit by malaria

    24.10.2013

    Resurgence of malaria in Maroua in the far north of Cameroon . Hundreds of deaths are reported . More than 10,000 people were treated last month, and the hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed.

    According to the official radio, unprecedented number of people have suffered from the disease for the past three weeks. Hospitals in the extreme north of Cameroon suffer from shortages. Women and pregnant women are most affected by the disease, authorities reported .

    The ten public area hospitals treated more than 10,000 patients but impossible to obtain reliable data on the number of malaria victims treated in hospitals and private clinics.

    Monique Palai , a pediatric nurse at the regional hospital of Maroua , told Voice of America (VOA ) that the situation is alarming.

    "All our rooms have been occupied by people suffering from malaria , especially children aged one day to 15 years ," she said. " There were times when we had no space for even the most severe cases, and we have seen situations where the children are dead on arrival " Has she said.

    The Cameroonian press mentions the death of a thousand people at least , while the official radio talking about 600 deaths .

    An official control program against malaria in Cameroon , Dr. Etienne Fonjo , acknowledged that infant mortality has increased due to the increase of the disease.

    "Malaria remains a public health problem ," he said. "To date , the disease has increased by 27% ." Also according to the doctor , it is difficult to help patients with only limited resources. Children under five years are entitled to free treatment , as well as pregnant women, and insecticide-treated nets were distributed , argued Dr. Fonjo .

    Officials attribute the public health epidemic of malaria in Cameroon refusal to use insecticide-treated nets over their beds, and the fact that many people do not meet basic hygiene standards. In addition, many Cameroonians are reluctant to visit health centers when they get sick , especially since many people do not have the means to care.

    The World Health Organization (WHO ) said that patients should consult a doctor quickly , malaria can kill a child in six hours.

    On signale plusieurs centaines de morts. Plus de 10.000 personnes ont été traitées le mois dernier, et les hôpitaux et dispensaires sont débordés.
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela
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