Malaria is a devastating disease that has blighted Sub-Saharan Africa. But there is hope; there is a way that you can fundamentally help to end the nightmare of malaria. This is how.
Effective Prevention Is Better Than Protracted Treatment.
The old adage; “Prevention is better than a cure” is singularly appropriate when it comes to malaria. Quite simply, if the Anopheles mosquito cannot bite – it cannot cause infection.
Are Insecticides Effective in Killing Mosquitoes?
Insecticides do indeed kill mosquitoes; however, the reproductive cycle of the mosquito means that their effect is only temporary. There are also secondary environmental consequences to the use of airborne insecticides.
Isn’t there a readily available Vaccine?
No. Currently there is no malaria vaccine approved for human use. The malaria parasite is a genetically complex organism which constantly changes within the host and therefore, developing a vaccine against malaria continues to be very difficult. There are preventative drugs available, however they need to be taken continuously and with continued use the preventative drugs have a decreased effectiveness in resisting malarial infection. Furthermore, they are expensive and thus not easily accessible.
What About Mosquito Nets?
Really simple things make a huge difference. Mosquito nets are the single most effective means of preventing malaria infections. Since the mosquito cannot penetrate the mesh, it can’t bite. Most effective of all are insecticide-treated nets. These are nets which are not only impenetrable, their fibres are also impregnated with a potent insecticide which kills the mosquito as it repeatedly attempts to gain access to its sleeping victim.
So Nets Are Better Than Drugs or Insecticides?
An insecticide-treated net costs very little. In fact, just €14 will provide a pack of 3 Insecticide Treated Nets that will protect a family of six for 5 years. A tiny amount of money considering that with enough nets, literally millions of lives could be saved within a few short years. UNICEF has been distributing nets in affected regions since 2003 and the results have been truly exceptional. Over a period of 2 years, UNICEF distributed over 15 million mosquito nets in Ethiopia – it resulted in a 50% reduction in deaths from malaria.
Is There Any Good News?
Yes. Very good news. When nets and adequate medical support is provided malaria can be very quickly stamped out. Entire regions can effectively be made malaria free with the simplest interventions. And in regions where UNICEF has implemented prevention and treatment programmes the effect on mortality and on the region’s economy has been dramatic.
UNICEF in action
UNICEF is the largest purchaser and provider of Insecticide Treated Nets, in 2008 they bought and distributed 20 million bed nets and in 2009 the figure rose to 25 million. UNICEF plan to continue that trend in 2010.
How Can I Help?
By giving just €14 you’ll help prevent six people from dying of malaria. That’s €2.30 a life. A tiny amount. All you have to do is simply click here and make a donation.
Malaria not only takes human lives – it also destroys the economic life of affected countries and regions. Therefore it is important that long term support and prevention strategies are in operation in order for economic recovery to take place. With a generous five-year funding programme Fyffes has made an enormous contribution to initiating such a recovery.
In 2009 alone, due to Fyffes funding 80% of exposed population groups in six provinces of Mozambique were assured of prompt malaria treatment.
With the distribution of nets, support to health facilities and community projects, Fyffes has made a material difference to the lives of thousands in affected provinces.
If your company is interested in providing similar support, please contact us to become a partner – click here to email andrea@unicef.ie
UNICEF Ireland wants to send 100,000 nets to Malaria-infected areas. With 55,000 from Fyffes and your generous support so far, we have achieved:
Track the nets sent from Ireland on our interactive map and find out more about the countries we are supporting.
For only €14, you can buy 3 nets that will protect a child and their family for up to 5 years.
