Recently at Amani, Juma and some of the children have succumb to malaria. All are on rounds of medicine and recovering. I (Kate Thompson) have had malaria before too, and Juma and I agreed now is an important time to teach our supporters about malaria in Tanzania.
Malaria is a parasite (normally P. falciparum) that is transferred by infected mosquitos to the human blood stream (WHO, 2013). There it causes high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms and anemia (National Library of Medicine, 2013). Untreated, it rapidly results in death. According to the World Health Organization, 74% of malaria cases are in rural areas, and peaks with seasonal increases in rain fall and temperature. Mto wa Mbu, where the orphanage is located, translates to “Mosquito River.” Here lies the crux of our problem.
According to Mayo Clinic, over one million people die of malaria each year. However, with relatively cheap preventative measures, many cases of malaria could be prevented. The use of mosquito nets at night (mosquitos are most active and dawn and dusk), mosquito sprays and the application of repellents stop malaria before it starts. This is our best chance of protecting our kids and staff.
For this reason, we want to thank Mickey- a former SFS student- for donating a ton of mosquito nets! These nets have already been draped over the children’s bunk beds and are now protecting them from one of the most dangerous diseases in the world! Thanks Mickey! A gift like this can save a life!
Please go to our donation page now if you would like to contribute to medicine costs for Juma and our kids!