Africa has been battling this war against Malaria for years. Now, it is about time we defeat it. But before we fight, let us arm ourselves with the right information about it.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, called "malaria vectors." There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat.
Recognizing the malaria mosquito
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• Relatively small malaria mosquitoes are about 8 mm long and look deep brown to black in colour with dark spotted wings.
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• They fly more quietly, and their bite is more subtle, which may go unnoticed.
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• They breed in clean and stagnant water during their larval stage and can fly beyond 1-2 km of their larval site.
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• Anopheles mosquitos generally feed between sunset and dawn near ground level. Therefore, they are more likely to bite one’s feet and lower legs.
Symptoms to watch
The early detection of malaria is important for effective treatment and reducing morbidity and mortality.
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• It presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscular pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
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• Symptoms of malaria commonly develop 10–14 days after an infected mosquito bite.
Malaria burden
In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide. The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2019, the region was home to 94% of malaria cases and deaths.
In 2019, 6 countries accounted for approximately half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (23%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11%), United Republic of Tanzania (5%), Burkina Faso (4%), Mozambique (4%) and Niger (4% each).
Children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria; in 2019 they accounted for 67% (274 000) of all malaria deaths worldwide.
An ACT of precaution can help to defeat malaria for the coming generations.
Together, let us all ACT FOR AFRICA.
Reference: WHO World Malaria Report 2019
