Monday, April 25 is World Malaria Day

If you asked most Americans what they know about malaria, you'd most likely hear two things: 1) It is spread by mosquitoes, and 2) It happens "over there somewhere." After all, Americans usually don't have to learn much or worry about malaria, as it is not a common occurrence in the United States.

But for many parts of the world, including East Africa, malaria has been and continues to be a very real scourge on the lives of those living there. It is estimated that a child dies from malaria every 45 seconds.

In an effort towards "achieving the target of zero malaria deaths by 2015," organizers have set April 25 as World Malaria Day. Since its inception 4 years ago, deaths due to malaria have dropped from over 1,000,000 a year to 790,000. This is exciting news, made even more exciting by the fact that malaria can be treated, and it can be prevented through some very basic steps.

Mosquito nets provided by Portland Mennonite Church
Nickson Khamasi, a Lahash Portland community member who grew up in Kenya, says "malaria is very common, and a rampant cause of high fever during the rainy seasons."

The good news, according to Nickson, is that items like mosquito nets and repellents are easy and effective defenses against contracting malaria, and that adults can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

While preventing contraction through nets and repellents is extremely effective, treatments for those infected are still being developed; many strains of malaria have become resistant to the treatments. In addition, local "antimalarial" trees, which are used in the research and production of effective vaccines, have become threatened with extinction in many areas of East Africa, and urban sprawl has led to an increase of standing and stagnant water, which are high-breeding areas for mosquitoes.

We encourage you to find out more about malaria, World Malaria Day, and how you can get involved in providing simple, effective support to those in East Africa who wage a continual battle against this disease. With practical solutions and effective preventative measures, you truly can make a difference to help those most vulnerable.


More information:
World Malaria Day
Time Magazine article on malaria
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Work in Malaria
Malaria No More