By Alka Subramanian | Project Leader
We are winning the fight against malaria; let’s not stop now. Between 2010 and 2015, malaria incidence fell by 21% and malaria mortality rates fell by 29% among all age groups, and by 35% among children under 5. We have momentum to eradicate malaria which will have huge economic benefits globally. Malaria is the single biggest drag on Africa’s economy with estimated direct losses of $12 billion a year (a GDP growth of about 1.3% per year) due to increased healthcare costs, lost ability to work and effects on tourism. If malaria can be eliminated, thousands of lives will be saved and GDP growth will be higher. A higher GDP growth will enable African economies to take better care of their population leading to huge economic benefits globally.
Our Response to Prevent Malaria
Our goal is to reduce malaria deaths to zero in Zambia. To achieve this goal, we have provided over 24,000 nets and education on malaria prevention to families vulnerable to malaria. At our most recent malaria prevention day in April 2017, we could provide 2500 long lasting insecticide treated nets to families vulnerable to malaria in Zambia. In addition, our plan is to provide 1500 nets and education on malaria prevention in September 2017. We are confident that as more families use insecticide treated nets, the incidence of malaria will continue to decline and malaria deaths will be reduced to zero. However, impoverished communities in Zambia need thousands more nets to stay healthy and malaria free.
Why do we need more nets? According to the World Health Organization, only 55% of families in sub-Saharan Africa had access to a mosquito bed net in 2015. This implies an additional 45% families in Sub-Saharan Africa need access to nets. Second, sleeping under a net is the most cost-effective method as compared to other malaria prevention methods such as indoor residual spraying, and malaria treatment drugs. Third, 90% of families who have access to a net use it. Finally, a decrease in access to nets now can lead to a major resurgence of the disease and can reverse the gains achieved over the last several years. We can win the fight malaria by intensifying our efforts to prevent malaria.
Plan for 2017/2018
We are raising funds to provide an additional 1500 nets and education on malaria prevention before the next malaria season in September 2017. This will bring the total nets provided in 2017 to 4000, benefitting 8000 adults or 16,000 children as a net can sleep two adults or four young children.
For 2018, our goal is to provide 5000 long lasting insecticide treated nets and education on malaria prevention to families vulnerable to malaria.
Thank you for your dedication to keep vulnerable children and families malaria free and healthy.
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By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director
By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director
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