I know right, “As for malaria we know all about it”. But, did you know:
- That Malaria claims the life of a child every 2 minutes?
- That in 2016, 445 000 people died from malaria globally?
- That more than 80% of malaria burden and deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa?
- That the world’s first malaria vaccine is being tested in Ghana (Kenya and Malawi)?
- That blindly treating (without testing) every fever as malaria endangers our attempts at eliminating malaria by causing resistance to anti-malarial medicines?
- That since 2010, 6 countries have been certified malaria-free (Armenia, Maldives, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan), and several others are inching closer to obtaining this status
- That countries that have been able to eliminate malaria have enjoyed significant growth in their economies following the elimination?
- That malaria is a major constraint on economic development?
- That it is known to be both a disease of poverty and a cause of poverty?
- That it may account for as much as 40% of public health expenditure, 30% to 50% of inpatient admissions, and up to 50% of outpatient visits?
WHO joins partner organizations in promoting this year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Ready to beat malaria”. This theme underscores the collective energy and commitment of the global malaria community in uniting around the common goal of a world free of malaria. (Source: WHO)
Vector control is key in our efforts at eliminating malaria globally. The effective measures needed to reduce exposures to mosquito bites have been well documented: Indoor Residual Spraying of Walls (IRS), use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and overall improving sanitation and eliminating breeding sites.
As responsible citizens we must, on individual stand ready to beat malaria by:
- Ensuring and maintaining clean sanitation?
- Protecting ourselves against mosquito bites?
- Seeking prompt testing and treatment for all suspected cases?
- Avoiding abuse of antimalarial medicines and completing your course of treatment when sick?
- Complying with Intermittent Preventive Therapy (IPT) with Fansidar during pregnancy?
Author: Dr. Lawrence Osei-Tutu; Host of Staying Alive on Ultimate 106.9FM on Sundays 2:00 to 3:00pm
By: Ghana/Ultimatefmonline.com/106.9FM
The post April 25 is World Malaria Day. Theme: “Ready to Beat Malaria” appeared first on Ultimate FM.
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