Malaria

HOW TO END MALARIA IN OUR LIFETIME

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria in 2019, resulting in 409,000 deaths, mostly among children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa.

To end malaria, rotary clubs around the world have been involved in several efforts, including:

  1. Supporting Malaria prevention and treatment: Rotary International, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched the End Malaria program, which aims to reduce malaria cases and deaths by funding prevention and treatment efforts in affected countries.

  2. Providing Mosquito nets: Rotary clubs have been involved in distributing mosquito nets in malaria-endemic areas, as mosquito nets are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease.

  3. Promoting awareness: Rotary clubs conduct malaria awareness campaigns, educating communities about the disease, its transmission, prevention, and treatment.

  4. Supporting research: Rotary has funded research into the development of a malaria vaccine, which is considered a crucial step towards eradicating the disease.

  5. Mobilizing resources: Rotary clubs have been involved in mobilizing resources, including funding and volunteers, to support malaria control and elimination efforts.

Overall, Rotary's efforts to end malaria are aligned with the WHO's Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, which aims to reduce malaria cases and deaths by 90% by 2030.