Malaria fight continues beyond World Malaria Day

WHILE the world reels from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and aggressive measures have been put in place to curb the spread of the disease, it is essential that ongoing efforts to prevent other killers, such as malaria, are not overlooked.

The World Health Organization’s most recent report indicates that malaria causes illness in about 230 million people, and kills approximately 430 000 people each year.

More than 90% of all malaria cases occur in Africa, and of these, pregnant women and children under the age of five are the most vulnerable.

Sadly, a child dies every two minutes from malaria.

This year, WHO warns that malaria deaths could double as the coronavirus pandemic is likely to cause severe disruptions to ongoing anti-malaria campaigns.

Insecticide-treated mosquito nets, along with education and indoor-residual spraying programmes, are still considered the best malaria prevention techniques.

For the past 16 years, under the theme of ‘using adventure to save and improve lives’, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation and its partners have battled malaria across the African continent.

This is done through the delivery of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the most affected regions, with a strong focus on pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of five years.

To date more than 420 000 nets have been distributed and more than 450 000 homes have been sprayed against the deadly Anopheles mosquito.

Alongside these direct preventative measures, Kingsley and his expedition team also distribute educational leaflets in different African languages and conduct awareness programmes to spread a malaria prevention message to thousands of villagers at risk.

Altogether, these efforts have resulted in the lives of more than three million people being protected.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer