BY NED GAGAHE
Guguha Clinic in Maringe Kokota, Isabel Province, has reported a surge in malaria cases, with 69 confirmed in less than a week.
The clinic has also confirmed that it is running out of essential malaria drugs.
In an interview with this paper yesterday, Eddy Boe, the Registered Nurse and Nurse-in-Charge at Guguha Clinic, explained that the clinic has been overwhelmed by the rising number of cases since February 5, 2025, when Boe first began his post at the clinic.
“So far, the malaria situation has been serious. On Friday, February 7, we recorded 23 positive cases. Over the weekend, we saw a total of 36 cases, and since Tuesday and Wednesday, we have recorded 10 more cases. We are still conducting slide tests, and more cases may be coming in,” Boe explained.
“The symptoms we’re seeing include headache, fever, and body pain, which are similar to those of the viral flu circulating.”
Boe stated that while the increase in cases has been concerning, one of the most significant challenges has been the shortage of essential malaria medications, such as Coartem and Primaquine.
“We were given only one box of Primaquine and no full supply of Coartem. I’m now preparing to go to Buala to order new stocks,” he said yesterday when the paper contacted him.
The surge in malaria cases has raised questions about the possible cause of the outbreak. While some locals speculate that the increase may be linked to people traveling from Honiara during the Christmas holiday season, Boe emphasized that malaria cases were already present in the area before Christmas.
“We are still unsure whether the cases are imported or locally transmitted. We need to track the cases more closely,” he added.
Boe also mentioned that while he recently attended a malaria training hosted by Buala Hospital, there is still a need for more effective community engagement and follow-up on positive cases.
“We have identified someone in the villages to help follow up on positive cases, but we need more support from the health promotion team at Buala to help with awareness in the community,” he said.
Community leader Rueben Dotho echoed Boe’s concerns, calling for a major clean-up in the area.
“Since Christmas, we have been suffering from this. With the arrival of the new nurse and his microscopist, we are starting to tackle the problem, but more needs to be done,” Dotho said.
“The rise in cases is partly due to people not completing their treatments, likely because of the drug shortage or negligence.”
Dotho also highlighted the importance of community clean-up efforts.
“There has been no serious intervention so far. The community leaders and I are now organizing a major clean-up this week to reduce the breeding sites for mosquitoes.”
The outbreak has raised alarm, with the increasing number of cases pointing to a potential malaria epidemic in the region.
“The environment here is contributing to the rise in malaria cases. It seems like an outbreak now, as the transmission is widespread across the community,” Boe said.
Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths or complications from malaria at this stage.
Both Boe and Dotho are calling on local authorities to intervene urgently, emphasizing the need for drug supplies, increased awareness, and coordinated efforts to combat the outbreak effectively.
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