Malaria
Joy Lowe
10 Facts About Malaria
1 Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through infected mosquitoes.
2 The parasite that causes Malaria is called the "Plasmodium" parasite
3 3.2 billion people are at risk of contracting Malaria in Africa
4 In 2015, 305,000 African children died from Malaria before age 5
5 Mortality rates of Malaria have been falling since the year 2000
6 Early detection and disease diagnosis prevents Malaria deaths
7 Indoor extermination and spraying reduces transmission of Malaria
8 Malaria can cause stillbirths in pregnant women
9 Malaria is an infectious disease that invades the red blood cells
10 Symptoms may include: chills, fever, sweating, fatigue, and sweating
Infectious Mosquito
Destroyed Red Blood Cells
Infected Baby Girl
What Region in Africa is Malaria Prevalent In?
Malaria is the most prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa because the climate is the most subtropical.
Is The Region Typically Rich or Poor? Urban or Rural?
Most of Sub Saharan Africa is poor, 800 million people living there make less than $2,000 annually. Sub Saharan Africa is also a rural area. 70% of Sub Saharan Africa lives in rural areas.
What Role Does Poverty Play in This Disease?
Poverty restricts access to health care. Most disease stricken areas of Africa are also poverty stricken.
Is the Disease Curable?
Yes, there are many different medications to cure Malaria like Chloroquine, Mefloquine, and Quinine.
How is Malaria Impacting Africa?
90% of all Malaria deaths occur in Africa south of the Sahara. This is solely because the infected mosquito is the most prevalent in Africa.
Is Malaria a Major or Minor Disease in Africa?
Malaria is still a major disease in Africa. 50% of all deaths in Africa are due to Malaria. The major global diseases in Africa are HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
What Can Africa Do to Limit This Disease?
Community programs, vector control, elimination of mosquitoes, insecticide, draining swamps, biological control, sleeping under bed nets, and drugs can ALL prevent Malaria.