Girls in traditional authorities (T/As) Maganga and Kuluunda in Salima have commended GIZ for embarking on a project to disseminate information about bilharzia in the district.
Speaking on Saturday when GIZ conducted an awareness campaign in T/A Maganga, a learner Chisomo Jakisoni from Ngolowindo Model Primary School said they learnt how the disease spreads.
“We learned that bilharzia is caused by tiny worms that are found in rivers, ponds or lakes. We, therefore, are supposed to avoid playing is such waters,” she said.
Jakisoni said she will share the knowledge to other girls in the village to ensure people avoid catching the disease.
In her remarks, GIZ Female Genital Schistosomiasis project manager Chimwemwe Mthepheya said bilharzia is a disease that is often overlooked; hence, the need to protect women and girls who are vulnerable to it.
She said the project will improve awareness, diagnoses, treatment and prevention of the disease as well as facilitate the integration of Female Genital Schistosomiasis services into current health services.
Said Mthepheya: “The effort focuses on women and girls because they are the most vulnerable and the illness may bring life-long consequences. The disease has several effects but people do not know, apparently because the disease is neglected.
“There is also a high risk for women or girls with bilharzia to contract HIV.”
Salima District Council school health and nutrition coordinator Arthur Makuluni thanked GIZ for the project.
He said the awareness campaign will help dispel myths and misconceptions about bilharzia.
“This is an opportunity to deal with the disease. Starting with girls in primary school will help to deal with misconceptions about the disease,” said Makuluni.
He said GIZ had chosen the right T/As to implement the project as they are prone to the disease because they grow rice in swamps or wetlands
