AUTHORITIES WARN OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANT MOSQUITOES

Maputo, 27 Jun (AIM) – Health officials in the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane have warned of the threat from mosquitoes that have developed a resistance to insecticides.

The warning comes from a study carried out in Inhambane and Zambezia provinces by the Ministry of Health and a non-governmental organisation, reports Radio Mozambique.

The study found the insecticide used on protective nets in the districts of Panda and Jangamo in Inhambane province were ineffective in killing these mosquitoes.

According to the provincial head of public health, Rinques Cantilal, the insecticide resistant mosquitoes have been responsible for in an increase in the number of cases of malaria.

In the first quarter of this year there were 120,000 cases of malaria recorded in Inhambane province, compared with 105,000 cases during the same period last year.

Cantilal stated that studies are being conducted to see if different types of insecticide can be used to tackle the new threat.

According to the national director of medical services at the Ministry of Health, Antonio Jovo, another disease threatening the health of the nation is arterial hypertension (high blood pressure).

Jovo stated that this disease now affects young people, whilst in the past it only hit older people. He put this phenomenon down to excessive alcohol consumption, poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.

(AIM)

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