Immunization Compulsory for Malaria

Immunization against Malaria is compulsory for all Sri Lankans proceeding to India and Latin American countries. Minister Maithripala Sirisena has said that necessary instructions as well as immunization can be obtained from Malaria Prevention Programme Offices throughout the country,  and Health Service Offices,  free of charge.

In a statement issued in connection with the World Malaria Day which was yesterday, the Ministry of Health pointed out that Malaria is spread by the Anopheles mosquito.  Malaria is a parasitic disease that involves high fever, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, anemia, headache; jaundice etc.

The Ministry statement says that Malaria could get infected even without these signs, and if not treated properly the malaria could cause brain malaria, high pressure, kidney failure and abortions, and even be fatal.   Majority of the victims are children below five years of age.

According to WHO estimates over ten million people throughout 101 countries are threatened with Malaria.

The Ministry of Health appeals everyone to assist in eradicating Malaria from Sri Lanka which is an infectious disease caused by a parasite, Plasmodium, which infects red blood cells.