Fight against malaria in C. Java

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