Zimbabwe Authorities Attribute Decline in Malaria Deaths to Prevention EffortHealth Ministery malaria manager Dr. Joseph Mberikunashe said 2 million nets were distributed to households in areas subject to malaria, while intensive spraying was carried out in 45 malaria-prone areas Zimbabwean health authorities are reporting 130 deaths from malaria since the year began, though this represents a decline attributable to an aggressive malaria prevention program. Dr. Joseph Mberikunashe, manager of the Ministry of Health's Malaria Control and Command Center, said 2 million nets were distributed to households in areas subject to malaria, while intensive spraying was carried out in 45 malaria-prone areas. "We are happy that the public responded well to the intensive malaria prevention program we have been running and we are pleased with the decline in deaths we have seen this year compared to the same period last year," said Dr. Mberikunashe Doctor Mberikunashe told VOA Studio 7 reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye that those who think they may have contracted malaria should visit a government hospital immediately for testing and treatment which is being provided free of charge to fight the disease.