For half the world every day is malaria day - a day to keep
up the fight against this killer disease.
2016 Theme
25 April
2016 -- Each year,
WHO and partners unite around a common World
Malaria Day theme.
This
year's theme "End malaria for good"
reflects the vision of a malaria-free world set out in the "Global
technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030".
The new
strategies adopted in 2015 by the World Health
Assembly aims to
dramatically lower the global malaria burden.
Its
goals are ambitious but achievable, including a reduction in malaria case
incidence and mortality of at least 90% by 2030.
According
to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately
half of the world’s population is at risk of the deadly disease of Malaria. The vast majority of malaria
cases and malaria-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by up to 126 other developing countries,
where the disease is widespread and life threatening. Malaria is
one of the most severe public health problems worldwide, and it is a leading
cause of death and disease in many developing countries, where young children
and pregnant women are most affected.
Malaria may not be a substantial
threat in the UAE, but those who travel for work or pleasure may be
exposed to the risk if traveling to a high-risk country. It is highly advisable
to seek professional advice from a doctor if traveling to a malaria endemic
country.
While
governments are undertaking mass level plans & projects to defeat the
disease, as individuals we also need a solid plan to combat it.
To
achieve that, we need to start by understanding the disease and ways to prevent
it from spreading.
Symptoms of
Malaria:
Malaria can begin with
flu-like symptoms, and symptoms can appear in 7 days.
The most
common symptoms are very similar to many other infectious diseases caused by
bacteria, viruses etc.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Headache.
• Sweats.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry (nonproductive) cough
• Muscle or back pain or both
• Enlarged spleen.
In
severe cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of the brain or spinal
cord, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
What needs to be done to prevent Malaria?
EXPERT ADVICE:
If
malaria is prevalent in an area you plan to travel to, seek advice from a
certified doctor about taking preventive medicines.
BEWARE BITES:
For
optimal prevention of malaria, protection from mosquito bites is essential.
Carry mosquito repellants and preventive medicines, mosquito nets etc. Long
trousers, long-sleeved clothing and socks thick enough to stop the mosquitoes biting will also help protect you
Diagnosis made promptly with early treatment of an
infected case can help prevent and to a great extent defeat Malaria. As always,
prevention is better than cure. Lastly, ensure if you are pregnant, or are
planning to get pregnant, you avoid travelling to Malaria ridden regions.
0 comments:
Post a Comment