Ituri: ‘The proliferation of mosquitoes can be combated by cleaning gutters,’ (A doctor)

Bunia, July 30^th, 2025 (CPA). – Regular cleaning and sanitation of gutters and drains is a crucial measure in combating the proliferation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, has said a doctor from a health clinic in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), during an interview on Wednesday. ‘Regular and rigorous cleaning of gutters and drains is a crucial and effective measure to combat the proliferation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, with the aim of protecting public health and significantly reducing the risk of transmission of this disease,’ has declared Jean-Marc Shimbi, medical director of the Marie-Claire Babenda Clinic. He went on to explain that once these sewage and rainwater drainage channels become blocked, they provide a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Mr Shimbi urged the people of Bunia in particular, and the province of Ituri in general, to regularly weed their plots and dispose of unused containers in order to combat the proliferation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, pointing out that this disease, endemic in the region, causes many complications, particularly in children under 5 and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable. The doctor emphasized that a major obstacle to effective sanitation in the city of Bunia remains the population’s lack of understanding of the importance of cleaning gutters for their health. The medical director of the Marie-Claire Babenda Clinic called on the provincial government, through the provincial health division, to set up regular awareness campaigns to better inform the population about good hygiene and sanitation practices in order to prevent the proliferation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, before emphasizing the need for collective commitment and close collaboration between local authorities, health services and communities. ‘Only a general mobilization will make it possible to maintain a healthy environment and sustainably reduce the number of breeding sites for malaria-carrying mosquitoes,’ he has specified. Dr Jean-Marc Shimbi reiterated the importance of integrating these actions into a broader framework for combating malaria, including the correct use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and the rapid treatment of suspected cases. ‘Sanitation is a crucial step, but it must be accompanied by other measures to ensure optimal protection against this disease, which remains a major challenge for our region,’ he has concluded.