According to the World Malaria Report 2016, in 2015, there were 212 million new cases of malaria and 429,000 deaths. One child dies from malaria every two minutes.
“Malaria remains both a major cause and a consequence of global poverty and inequity: its burden is greatest in the least developed areas and among the poorest members of society. Many of those most vulnerable – especially young children and pregnant women – are still not able to access the life-saving prevention, diagnosis and treatment they so urgently need.”
April 25 offers an opportunity to bring to spotlight global efforts to control the disease. It provides an opportunity for Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partner organisations unite around a common World Malaria Day theme. This year’s team is “End Malaria For Good.”
Malaria is a disease that affects the human red blood cells. It is caused by the protozoan parasites, Plasmodium spp, which are carried in the saliva of the female Anopheles mosquitoes. The plasmodium parasites are transferred to human by mosquito bites. Consequently, the best way to control (and eradicate malaria) is to prevent contact between people and the mosquitoes. See the image below.
Symptoms of the disease
From the NHS website, the most common symptoms associate with malaria include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- headache
- sweats
- chills
- vomiting
These symptoms are often mild and can sometimes be difficult to identify as malaria.
With some types of malaria, the fever occurs in 48-hour cycles. During these cycles, you feel cold at first with shivering. You then develop a fever, accompanied by severe sweating and fatigue. These symptoms usually last between 6 and 12 hours.
Other symptoms of malaria can include:
- muscle pains
- diarrhoea
- generally feeling unwell
The most serious type of malaria is caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Without prompt treatment, this type could lead to you quickly developing severe and life-threatening complications, such as breathing problems and organ failure.
What to do if you have malaria
Since malaria is endemic in Nigeria (and other sub-Saharan Africa), it is common to find the malaria parasites in the blood samples of people in this area. Though malaria tablets are available over the counter in Nigeria, it is advised that one should read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. However, it is best to seek assistance from qualified medical personnel.
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