What is Malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasitic infection transmitted through mosquito bites. Its impact on individuals and communities is profound, characterised by symptoms such as body aches, anaemia, fevers, and breathing problems. The global spread of malaria poses a significant threat, amplifying its harmful effects on a large scale.

It is especially harmful due its rapid transmission cycle. Mosquitoes act as vectors, carrying the parasite from infected individuals to healthy ones, perpetuating the cycle of infection. This efficient transmission mechanism contributes to the widespread prevalence of malaria, particularly in regions where mosquitoes thrive.

 

The world mortality rates of malaria 

 

In 2020, about 241 million people got malaria, and sadly, around 627,000 people died because of it. Most of these cases happened in Africa.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual economic burden of malaria in Africa is estimated to be about $12 billion due to healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and other indirect expenses.

 

The Democratic Republic of Congo has one of the highest malaria mortality rates globally. In 2019, the WHO reported that malaria was responsible for over 40% of all deaths in DRC, which shows the severe impact of the disease on the country's mortality profile.

 

Nigeria is the main place where malaria occurs. In 2020, Nigeria had a whopping 27% of all the world's malaria cases. About 23% of all people who died from malaria globally were in Nigeria.

 

The good news is that Nigeria has a plan called the National Malaria Elimination Program. They're working with other countries and groups to find solutions against malaria.

 

However, progress is happening, there are still big challenges. Some places in Nigeria don't have good access to healthcare, and some medicines might not work as well as they used to. To add on to this, financial struggles also take part in trying to find a solution against malaria.

 

The Prevention of Malaria

 

There are several approaches towards protecting yourself from being afflicted with malaria, including antimalarial drugs (for travellers), vaccines and taking simple precautions to avoid receiving mosquito bites.

If you are travelling to a location that is prone to malaria infections, consult a doctor to prescribe you antimalarial drugs that you can take for a period of time before travelling to the location. It is recommended that “strict adherence to the recommended doses and schedules of the antimalarial drug selected is necessary for effective protection’.

Simple precautions are the easiest way to protect yourself from getting infected with malaria, these include: 

 

1. Using mosquito nets while sleeping

2. Using mosquito repellents on clothing, skin and in bedrooms (containing DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin) 

3. Using coils (burns to produce mosquito-repellent smoke) and vaporizers (indoors)

4. Wearing protective clothing that provide coverage, for example, long sleeved shirts

5. Implementing window screens that prevent mosquitoes from entering living spaces

 

Vaccines will improve your body’s immune response towards malaria pathogens. “Since October 2021, WHO has recommended broad use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine among children living in regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission”

 

Discuss how malaria can be treated, how it impacts populations that can’t easily afford treatment 

 

While substantial progress has been made in controlling and treating malaria, the disease continues to impact populations, particularly those with limited access to healthcare services and affordable treatments. We will discuss the strategies employed to treat malaria and the impact of the disease on vulnerable populations, as well as the efforts being made to address these challenges.

 

Malaria can be effectively treated through the use of antimalarial drugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. These drugs work by killing the malaria parasites in the blood. Additionally, other medications like chloroquine and quinine are used depending on the type of malaria parasite and its resistance patterns.

 

Populations that cannot easily afford malaria treatment face severe consequences. The lack of access to proper healthcare services leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of developing severe forms of malaria. This delay in treatment can result in higher mortality rates and long-term health complications among affected individuals.

 

Increased Malaria Control Efforts: Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in partnerships and resources dedicated to malaria control efforts globally. These initiatives aim to improve access to prevention measures, diagnosis, and treatment for vulnerable populations.

 

Many countries have established National Malaria Control Programs with the goal of reducing the number of malaria cases and deaths. These programs focus on providing essential antimalarial treatments and promoting preventive measures like insecticide-treated bed nets.

Improving Antimalarial Drug Coverage: Ensuring adequate coverage of antimalarial drugs is crucial in reducing malaria transmission rates and preventing severe cases. By increasing access to effective medications, the incidence of malaria can be significantly reduced.

 

Addressing the impact of malaria on populations that struggle to afford treatment requires a multi-faceted approach involving improved access to healthcare services, increased awareness, and sustained efforts in malaria control programs. By prioritising these strategies, it is possible to mitigate the burden of malaria on vulnerable communities and work towards achieving better health outcomes for all individuals at risk of this disease.

 

The morbidity of malaria in a certain population, talk about how it affects people personally

 

This is a fictional story, that is based on real life events

In a sleepy village in rural India, the sun rises to cast gold on fields and mud houses. For many here, morning brings hope, another day to work, laugh, and live. But for some, like Sunday's family, mornings are filled with anxiety and fear.

 

Ravi, who has two young boys, is well aware of the danger lurking in the shadow of his village. Malaria, a silent predator, has plagued their lives for as long as they can remember. He remembers the sleepless nights when he nursed his wife Radha when her body ached with fever and chills. The nearest hospital was miles away and the journey was fraught with obstacles - treacherous muddy roads in the rainy season and the constant fear of not arriving on time

 

It was on one of these desperate nights that Ravi heard about a mobile hospital camped outside the village. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a name whispered in shock and gratitude, had come to the rescue. With white coats and tireless dedication, the MSF team also distributed diagnostic, medical and insecticide nets to protect against mosquito bites

For the Ravi family, MSF was a lifeline. Thanks to their much-needed care and support, Radha slowly began to recover. The mosquito nets draped over their beds became a symbol of safety, another hope for a malaria-free future.

 

But Ravi knew their story was only one of many. He had seen his neighbours ravaged by malaria, children who should have been playing in the fields, but instead in their beds. He thinks of Pooja and starts down the path of the girl whose bright eyes have grown dim under the weight of the disease.

 

Despite the progress in his village, Ravi knew that the fight against malaria in India was far from over. Statistics may showcase are down, but the risks for families like hers were still high. He thinks of other communities, neighbouring villages where access to health care was even more limited, where families suffer in silence.

 

Ravi became an advocate in his village, spreading awareness about malaria prevention and the importance of early treatment. In collaboration with MSF and local health workers, she organised meetings and distributed information leaflets.

 

Through his efforts, Ravi saw a ray of hope Families started taking malaria prevention more seriously and used the net to seek treatment at the first signs of illness. The village is not covered with fear; Instead, they felt empowered and in control of their health and future.

Looking at the field, Ravi felt immense gratitude. Thanks to the organization that brought light to their nights, the tireless health professionals who stood by them and the resilience of its community.

 

Malaria may still be a threat, but Ravi knew they had no power against it. He believed that with the continued support of organizations like MSF and the volunteering of individuals in all parts of India, a malaria-free society could one day be seen.

 

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Ravi smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He vowed to continue the fight for his children, Pooja, and all malaria victims in India. Through education, prevention and unwavering determination, he believed that they could overcome this silent killer and pave the way for a healthier, brighter future for generations to come.

 

The mental effects of Malaria

 

Malaria doesn't just make you physically sick - it can also affect your mind. People have known about its mental effects since ancient times, but we learned more during and after World War I (WWI). When there was a big outbreak of malaria from 1916 to 1918, it turned out to be the top cause of mental health issues among soldiers.

 

Back then, malaria caused all sorts of problems in people's minds. Severe cases led to strange dreams, memory loss, confusion, and even serious mental issues like "melancholia" (deep sadness) and mania (extreme excitement). Even milder cases of malaria could make people feel depressed, irritable, and anxious for a long time.

 

Doctors also found it tricky to diagnose malaria in patients with mental health problems. Sometimes, people in psychiatric hospitals turned out to have malaria only when they got a fever. Before the fever, they might have hallucinations, get very upset, and feel confused.

 

After WWI, there were lots of reports and books talking about how malaria affected people's minds. During World War II (WWII), the United States military also noticed that malaria could make soldiers feel very paranoid, have strange beliefs, or feel anxious and sad. Some doctors weren't sure if all these mental problems were really because of malaria, though. They thought there might be other reasons for these symptoms.

 

Even after WWII, when soldiers got malaria during the Vietnam War, they often had short-term problems with their memory and thinking. Tests showed they had trouble remembering things, organising information, and moving quickly.

 

Recent studies are still discovering how malaria can affect our minds in the long run. Kids who get malaria or keep getting it can have trouble thinking clearly. And even after treatment, some people might have ongoing problems with their memory and how they think. They might feel sad or anxious without knowing why.

 

In conclusion, Malaria isn't just about getting sick and having a fever. It can also make you feel confused, sad, or worried for a long time, even after you get better. It's important to understand these effects to help people who have had malaria feel better in both body and mind.

​

Climate Change Malaria

​

Climate change has significant consequences on malaria transmission and risk. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, the geographic distribution of malaria-carrying mosquitoes and the Plasmodium parasite changes, leading to an increase in areas suitable for malaria transmission. Studies indicate that climate change can result in a widespread rise in malaria risk, particularly at the borders of endemic areas and at higher altitudes within malarial regions. The impact of climate change on malaria is sensitive to changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind intensity, affecting the development and transmission of the disease.

 

Research highlights that a 1°C increase in Earth's surface temperature can lead to a substantial rise in malaria-related deaths and economic burden globally. Models predict that continued global warming could extend the reach of malaria to new regions by the end of the 21st century. Moreover, changes in temperature and rainfall patterns influence the incidence of malaria, with studies showing positive relationships between temperature, rainfall, and the outbreak of malaria in various regions.

 

The observed shifts in malaria transmission risk due to climate change emphasize the need for adaptive responses and interventions to address the evolving challenges. Understanding the intricate relationship between climate change and malaria is crucial for designing effective prevention, control, and eradication strategies. As climate variability continues to impact malaria risk, it is essential to consider these environmental factors in public health policies and initiatives to mitigate the spread of this deadly disease.

​