| Theme: INVEST IN THE FUTURE. DEFEAT MALARIA Background · Over 200 million cases of Malaria occur yearly · Malaria still kills in excess of 627,000 people each year, the majority being children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. o A child dies every minute from Malaria · Peak Malaria “seasons” in many endemic areas are During and Just After the RAINY SEASON · We require continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control At Risk? About half of the world’s population is at risk but the following are worse off: · Young children even in malaria endemic areas because they have not yet developed protective immunity · Pregnant women – may lead to miscarriages and even maternal death · People with HIV/AIDS · Travelers from non-endemic areas because they lack immunity · Immigrants from endemic areas and their children living in non-endemic areas who visit their home countries. They are at risk because of waning or absent immunity. Prevention Vector control is crucial – prevent the mosquito from biting. Dress appropriately to cover body during peak times of mosquito bites – that is from dusk to dawn. Clear pools of water etc. · Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITN) · Indoor spraying with residual insecticides etc · Certain category of people may require antimalarial prophylaxis (low dose antimalarial medicines to prevent malaria) · It is recommended that pregnant women in endemic areas after the first three (3) months of pregnancy should be given scheduled (intermittent) preventive treatment. Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel |
