Malaria
There are 500 million cases of malaria each year, and up to 1.5 million deaths worldwide. The majority of these cases are in sub-Saharan Africa.
Children under five years and pregnant women bear the brunt of the disease because of their low or undeveloped immunity. Malaria is the leading cause of death for under-fives in Africa -- killing 1.1 million every year. Children who survive may suffer anemia and cerebral problems which can impact long-term development.
In Eastern and Southern Africa, an estimated 30% of all deaths during pregnancy are attributed to malarial infection.
Meanwhile, a recent study in sub-Saharan Africa suggests that those with HIV are twice as likely to catch malaria as those without.
Treating malaria accounts for 40% of public health expenditure and 25% of household income in Africa. It is also estimated that malaria imposes a ‘growth penalty’ of up to 1.3% of national income across Africa – an economic cost of US$12 billion annually.
How AMREF is tackling malaria
Preventing malaria-related death and illness in poor, vulnerable, and remote communities in Africa is a priority for AMREF. We are working with local communities and district health councils to help vulnerable people:
- Understand the causes, signs, and symptoms of malaria
- Have access to accurate, early diagnostic services and effective treatment as close to home as possible
- Lower their risk through personal and community measures, including long-lasting insecticidal nets and anti-malarial medication for pregnant women and children in particular
- Control malaria-related anemia -- common in pregnant women -- through vitamin supplements
In Afar, Ethiopia, community health workers have distributed 145,000 treated bed nets. They also hold educational sessions using pictures specific to local cultures to help people understand the importance of using the nets. The community now understands more about the causes and symptoms of malaria. Malaria-related deaths are decreasing.
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