Malaria kills over one million people every year, mostly children in less developed countries from sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and southeast Asia. Malaria is a completely preventable and treatable disease which is spread by mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite. Common symptoms include light headedness, nausea, shortness of breath, fever, and tachycardia.April 25 marked the first World Malaria Day and also the introduction of the President's Malaria Initiative. These campaigns will fight to cut malaria-related deaths by half in the hardest hit African countries over the next five years at the cost of $1.2 billion. The President's Initiative focuses on four strategies:
- Insecticide spraying
- Insecticide-treated nets
- Lifesaving drugs
- Preventive treatment for pregnant women
Malawi is one of the 15 African countries that are targeted by the Initiative. Malaria is one of Malawi's most serious health problems, accounting for 22% of all hospital admissions in 2001 and 28% of all hospital deaths. These numbers are most likely higher than reported as a result of many people who do not or are unable to seek professional medical care for illness or childbirth.
Our medical team will provide education, prevention, and treatment in rural villages in September. Please consider partnering with us as we prepare for this ministry opportunity in one of the poorest nations in the world.
http://www.fightingmalaria.gov/
http://allafrica.com/stories/200804251070.html
