Malaria is increasing in the hilly areas of Rangamati district in the hilly region. Malaria is spreading more in Jurachhari, Bilaichhari, Barkal and Baghaichhari upazilas bordering Rangamati.
Malaria cannot be controlled due to lack of awareness, remoteness and shortage of manpower in the health department. As a result, the government's goal of eliminating malaria from the country by 2030 is also at risk.
In the last seven months, 2,426 people have been infected with malaria in the district and two children have died. Although a total of 36 species of Anopheles mosquitoes are found in the country, only 7 of them spread malaria. Malaria outbreaks increase in this hilly region every year from April to October. The hilly districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban are the most malaria-prone areas in the country.
The district civil surgeon said that in the seven months from January to July, 2,426 malaria patients were identified in 10 upazilas of Rangamati. Of which, the maximum number of 986 was in June and 764 in July. Among them, four and a half-year-old Pratyasha Tanchanga, a resident of Farua in Bilaichhari, died at Chamek Hospital on February 20. And on July 12, ten-year-old Sudipta Chakma, a resident of Bandookbhangar in Rangamati, died at Sadar Hospital.
Rangamati Civil Surgeon Dr. Nuen Khisa said, "The number of malaria cases has increased slightly this year compared to last year. For this, our field work is ongoing. If you suspect malaria, you have been asked to get tested. Various activities are underway to make them aware. 15 lakh 60 thousand 965 insecticide-treated mosquito nets have been distributed through BRAC to control malaria."
