Thinking of a having a holiday somewhere in Africa, Asia or South America?
We are fortunate to live in a first world country with an advanced medical system, we know what steps to take steps to protect ourselves from the malaria parasite. But what if you lived in a poor country with only a basic health system and a shortage of doctors, nurses and medicines?
Around 2.3 billion of the world’s population is exposed to the risk of contracting malaria.
In 2013-14 there were 300 million cases reported and [rescue_highlight color=”blue”]2.5 million deaths[/rescue_highlight].
Between 75% to 90% of all deaths are children under 5 years of age.
Since 2000 programs to reduce malaria have seen a 47% drop world-wide and a 54% drop in the African region countries. That still means approximately[rescue_highlight color=”blue”] 5136 children died daily[/rescue_highlight].
Today with the distribution of more than 310 million long life insecticide nets and other measures since 2012 the number of cases has reduced to an estimated 207 million, resulting in 627,000 deaths of which 483,000 were children under 5 years of age.
The Rotary Foundation and Rotary Clubs around the world are funding initiatives to continue the education, eradication and control programs funded so far.
Rotarians are united in seeking to eliminate the scourge of Malaria cross the world. Can you help – absolutely, ask us how.[/rescue_column]