Imagine a world without malaria.
Imagine a world free from the fever, headache, nausea, and weakness symptoms of malaria.
Imagine a world where everyone would feel safe without the threat of being bitten by a mosquito causing the deadly disease.
Imagine a future in which billions of dollars are freed up for other development goals, saving millions of lives annually.
Is this world possible?
Yes, it is.
However, it will require a lot of innovation and cooperation to make it happen.
Over 200 million people worldwide, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, are still afflicted by malaria yearly.
Malaria is difficult to prevent, identify, or cure because the parasite continually changes to develop medication and pesticide resistance. There is, however, hope.
Thanks to improved resources, techniques, and funding, malaria mortality has decreased by more than half worldwide in the previous two decades.
Exploring new technologies to combat malaria and mosquitoes are current strategies for ending the menace of the disease.
Such strategies include genotyping and development and rollout of malaria vaccines,
Additionally, new collaborations are fostering political will and local action to eradicate malaria once and for all.
These collaborations include the End Malaria Council and the Zero Malaria Starts with Me initiative.
Eradication of malaria is possible, but it won’t happen overnight.
Governments, funders, researchers, healthcare professionals, the commercial sector, and civil society—must maintain their dedication, investment, and innovation.
Together, we can make malaria history and create a healthier and more prosperous future for everyone.
Do your own bit in reducing the impact of malaria by doing the following
- Clear bushes around the homes.
- Remove stagnant water that acts as a breeding ground for mosquitos.
- Use insecticide-treated bed nets to sleep under at night.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers outdoors, especially at night.
- Apply insect repellent on your skin and clothes.
- Take antimalarial drugs if you travel to a high-risk area or have a medical condition that makes you more vulnerable to malaria.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have a fever, headache, chills, and vomiting.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can save your life.
One day, we will stop imagining a world without malaria.
Instead, we will start living in a world without malaria.
TAKE ACTION.
JOIN ME. LET’S END MALARIA NOW.
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CONNECT with Ikechukwu Dominic Okoh.
If you catch me not discussing public health, I am talking about business, politics and life.