The Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda has announced the free treatment of severe malaria in children less than five years old in the country.

Minister Andre mama Fouda made the announcement during a press conference in Yaounde over the weekend.

Prior to this decision, just the treatment of simple malaria was free for children below five years, throughout the national territory.

The free treatment of severe malaria will be offered till 2016, thanks to a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Health and three partners:

-China through its donation of some ampoules of Arthemeter.

-Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHIA) through its donation of some ampoules of Artesunate injections.

-The Global Fund for the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria through the donation of some ampoules of Artesunate injections.

The Public Health Minister noted that health institutions within the country presently have the capacity of treating approximately 500,000 malaria cases within a period of 17 months.

He also hinted that during this period, the government shall be capable of funding the treatment in case any of the partners disengages from the initial contract.

Also during the press conference, Minister Andre Mama Fouda announced that in a bid to fight against the malaria parasite, some 12 million mosquito nets are in stock for onward distribution.