Fight against malaria in C. Java

SEMARANG: The Ministry of Health has reportedly committed itself to combat malaria, which has plagued 13 regencies in Central Java.

The ministry's commitment has been made evident through the provision of a fund at the directorate general of communicable disease and environment improvement, said a member of the Central Java Legislative Council, only identified as Sitompul, on Monday.

Sitompul explained that 60 people had reportedly died from malaria over the last 18 months, with thousands of others being infected.

The areas severely hit by malaria include, among others, Purworejo, Banjarnegara, Magelang, Wonosobo, Purbalingga, Kebumen and Jepara.

He said that areas hit by the disease were mostly coastal areas near neglected fish ponds and large areas of bushes, which were ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. -- JP