Malaria Prevention Saves Lives

According to the latest World malaria report, there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 compared to 245 million cases in 2020 and 627,000 deaths.

The Butterfly Tree has been supporting the global fight against malaria since 2006. Zambia has a high prevalence of malaria and children are at risk of contracing this life-threatening disease.

In the past few months our focus has been on Bombwe where we are currently constructing a rural health centre, complete with a water reticulation systeam, two staff houses, and a biodigester for waste. The nearest medical facility is 23 km from Bombwe and during the rainy season the tracks become inaccessible. Consequently, pregnant women and young children are at risk if they contract malaria and are not able to get any medication.

The Butterfly Tree has donated mosquito nets for the three schools in Bombwe zone. Each child and teacher is given a mosquito net, which will help to protect them against malaria.

The past month we have again targetted Moomba Chiefdom, which has the highest prevalence of malaria in the Kazungula District due to its proximity to Western Province. People from this Province cross the border to the Southern Province to attend medical centres and bring in malaria.

We have painted hundreds of houses with a safe insecticial coating so that when a mosquito lands on the surface it will inhale the insecticide and then fly off and die. The rainy season is underway and the most vital time to protect children.

Many thanks to everyone who has supported this project, which is helping to saves lives.

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree Highlights 2022