Malaria

The topic for this month is: Malaria.  Here are some facts and stats from the World Health Organization:

1. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. 

2. According to the latest estimates, released in December 2013, there were about 207 million cases of malaria in 2012 (with an uncertainty range of 135 million to 287 million) and an estimated 627 000 deaths (with an uncertainty range of 473 000 to 789 000).

3. Approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria.

4. Most deaths occur among children living in Africa where a child dies every minute from malaria.

5. Malaria is preventable and curable

6.  Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces disease and prevents deaths. It also contributes to reducing malaria transmission. Access to diagnostic testing and treatment should be seen not only as a component of malaria control but as a fundamental right of all populations at risk.

7. Vector control is the main way to reduce malaria transmission at the community level. It is the only intervention that can reduce malaria transmission from very high levels to close to zero. Two forms of vector control are effective in a wide range of circumstances: Insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor spraying with residual insecticides.

8. In high-burden settings, malaria can trap families and communities in a downward spiral of poverty, disproportionately affecting marginalized and poor people who cannot afford treatment or who have limited access to health care.

 

I’ve read estimates as high as 1 million people dying from malaria each year.  People are dying from something that is totally preventable and curable.  One child is dying every minute in Africa because of malaria.  Every minute!  And something as simple as providing mosquito nets to families can help dramatically reduce the transmission of malaria. 

What can you do?

Charity of the Week: Compassion International

Compassion has a campaign called Bite Back.  For a donation of $20, a mosquito net, prevention education for a family, access to treatment, and ongoing follow ups will be provided.  $2 of your $20 donation goes to Compassion’s medical assistance fund, which covers treatment for those suffering from malaria episodes.  On their website, you can read stories of families who where helped by Compassion. They have some great resources that you can utilize to help raise awareness in your community.  Go check them out!  🙂