The Regional Health Management Team of the Central River Region recently conducted a two-day sensitisation for three hundred and forty-six opinion leaders, care givers, youth and women groups on the new anti-malaria drug's usage and home based management, at Bati Njoll and Njau in Central River Region North and South.

The sensitisation was funded by the Global Fund through the Malaria Control Program office.

Karamba F Keita, the CRR regional health officer described home based management as an integral part of the overall malaria case management strategy which is aimed at improving access to treatment for malaria in areas with limited access to health facilities.  
He said with the introduction of the new drug, Coartem, it will contribute effectively in addressing the high incidence of malaria morbidity and mortality by increasing awareness and community based management of the disease.

Musa Camara pointed out that the objective of the sensitisation was to equip the participants with relevant information on the use of the drug in malaria treatment.  He assured them that the new drug is safe and effective.

Ida Ceesay, a senior CHN officer, urged mothers and care givers to adopt a prompt and appropriate treatment of malaria at home and in the community within twenty-four hours of noticing the symptoms.