If you asked most Americans what they know
about malaria, you'd most likely hear two things: 1) It is spread by
mosquitoes, and 2) It happens "over there somewhere." After all,
Americans usually don't have to learn much or worry about malaria, as it is not
a common occurrence in the United States.
But for many parts of the world, including East Africa, malaria has been and continues to be a very real scourge on the lives of those living there as people living in the poorest countries are the most vulnerable. Every year, 3.4 billion people are at risk of malaria. This leads to about 207 million malaria cases and an estimated 627 000 malaria deaths. It is estimated that a child dies from malaria every 60 seconds somewhere in Africa. In 2012, 90% of the world’s malaria deaths occurred in Africa and about 460 000 African children died before their fifth birthdays. (WHO)
But for many parts of the world, including East Africa, malaria has been and continues to be a very real scourge on the lives of those living there as people living in the poorest countries are the most vulnerable. Every year, 3.4 billion people are at risk of malaria. This leads to about 207 million malaria cases and an estimated 627 000 malaria deaths. It is estimated that a child dies from malaria every 60 seconds somewhere in Africa. In 2012, 90% of the world’s malaria deaths occurred in Africa and about 460 000 African children died before their fifth birthdays. (WHO)
Most also don’t know that malaria can be
treated, and it can be prevented through some very basic steps like mosquito
nets and repellents are easy and effective defenses against contracting
malaria, and that adults can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
While preventing contraction through nets and repellents is extremely effective, treatments for those infected are still being developed; many strains of malaria have become resistant to the treatments. In addition, local "antimalarial" trees, which are used in the research and production of effective vaccines, have become threatened with extinction in many areas of East Africa, and urban sprawl has led to an increase of standing and stagnant water, which are high-breeding areas for mosquitoes.
Tabibu Africa encourages you to find out more about malaria and how you can get involved in providing simple, effective support to those in Kenya who wage a continual battle against this disease. With practical solutions and effective preventative measures, such as mosquito nets and repellants you truly can make a difference to help those most vulnerable. Malaria is preventable, treatable and beatable.
While preventing contraction through nets and repellents is extremely effective, treatments for those infected are still being developed; many strains of malaria have become resistant to the treatments. In addition, local "antimalarial" trees, which are used in the research and production of effective vaccines, have become threatened with extinction in many areas of East Africa, and urban sprawl has led to an increase of standing and stagnant water, which are high-breeding areas for mosquitoes.
Tabibu Africa encourages you to find out more about malaria and how you can get involved in providing simple, effective support to those in Kenya who wage a continual battle against this disease. With practical solutions and effective preventative measures, such as mosquito nets and repellants you truly can make a difference to help those most vulnerable. Malaria is preventable, treatable and beatable.
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