Anglican Diocese launches malaria prevention, control initiative in Rufunsa

The Anglican Diocese of Lusaka has launched a cross-border malaria initiative in Munyeta area of Rufunsa district in Lusaka Province which is aimed at reducing malaria incidences and strengthening community participation in the fight against the disease. The initiative, which was…

The Anglican Diocese of Lusaka has launched a cross-border malaria initiative in Munyeta area of Rufunsa district in Lusaka Province which is aimed at reducing malaria incidences and strengthening community participation in the fight against the disease.

The initiative, which was launched at Munyeta Rural Health Centre, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, health workers, the church and community members in a renewed effort to prevent malaria and control it.

Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena, who officiated at the event, commended the Anglican Diocese of Lusaka and its partners for complementing government efforts in the fight against malaria.

“Government appreciates the role being played by the church and other stakeholders in supporting efforts to end malaria as it cannot achieve this role alone,” Mr Mabena said.

He said malaria has for a long time cast a heavy shadow over communities by affecting economic productivity and keeping children away from school.

Mr Mabena added that the initiative is particularly important as local people play a critical role in the implementation of programmes and policies at household level.

And Chief Bunda Bunda, Chimapepe II, welcomed the initiative, stressing that the involvement of community members would strengthen the fight against malaria.

The traditional leader said initiatives that empower communities with knowledge and practical measures to prevent malaria can contribute significantly to reducing the disease.

Meanwhile, the Provincial and District Health Offices have also welcomed the programme, noting that Rufunsa has recorded high incidences of malaria in the province.

Chief Environmental Health Officer Kelvin Mwakapushi, who represented the Provincial Health Director, said the launch was more than a ceremony as it was an initiative of strengthening community-level malaria prevention, early identification of fever and referral of severe cases.

Mr Mwakapushi disclosed that in 2025, Lusaka Province recorded 69,868 confirmed malaria cases, making the disease the seventh leading cause of morbidity in the region with incidences increasing from 17.29 percent in 2024 to 21.1 percent in 2025.

“Rufunsa recorded the highest confirmed malaria incidences among the districts in the province and also recorded an inpatient malaria case fatality rate of 29.85 percent,” he said.

And Rufunsa District Health Director, Peter Kakonde, welcomed the initiative and support of the Anglican Diocese of Lusaka and pledged unwavering institutional support to the partnership.

Programme Coordinator, Constance Njovu, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening community participation in malaria prevention and control.

Canon Charles Thomas, who represented the Anglican Diocese of Lusaka Archbishop Albert Chama, reaffirmed the church’s commitment to complementing government efforts in the health sector.