Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. It not only costs people their lives, but also greatly impacts communities financially. In Africa, for instance, $12 million is lost in productivity due to illness resulting in work absence, decreased tourism, foreign investment, and crop production (Nothing But Nets, 2014). This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and illness, since many regions that have a malaria endemic are poverty-stricken and cannot afford preventative measures or treatment.
There are many ways that you can help prevent malaria. At home, follow preventative measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and stop the spread of the disease. If you are able to, donate to a charity that provides bed nets and antimalarial medications to those in dire need; just $5 to $10 buys a bed net to cover 3 children. Some reputable charities include:
Key Facts About Malaria
- Over 90% of malarial deaths occur in Africa, killing an estimated 1 in 6 children (UNICEF, 2014)
- Deaths from malaria have dropped 25% from 2000 to 2010 (UNICEF, 2014)
- Of the 5 species of parasite known to infect humans, P. falciparum is the most deadly (World Health Organization, 2014)
- 3.4 billion people are at risk for developing malaria annually, which equates to half the world's population (World Health Organization, 2014)
- There are around 430 species of the Anopheles mosquito, but only 30 to 40 of those are vectors for malaria (World Health Organization, 2014)
- The mosquito is considered the deadliest animal in the world, killing over 600,000 people each year
(http://www.bestinfographics.co/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/information-and-facts-about-malaria-infographic.jpg, September 15, 2014)
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