World Malaria Day, Part I

Living in Humjibre, pesky mosquitoes and the diseases that they carry- namely malaria- are a daily concern. It is estimated that around 3,000 children die of malaria every day worldwide. However for some people, the problems posed by malaria will rarely cross their minds. What is most surprising about this contradiction is that malaria is a completely preventable and treatable disease. To help raise global awareness and mobilize communities worldwide; April 25th, 2013 has been set aside as World Malaria Day.

Malaria is hyper-endemic in Ghana, with the entire population of 24.2 million at risk. While there have been many initiatives in Ghana to increase public understanding and access to effective methods in combating the disease, it continues to be a large issue. According to the Bibiani-Anwhiaso-Bekwai District Health Information Unit, malaria accounted for almost half of all outpatient cases and more than a third of admissions in the district where GHEI operates in 2011.

Here at GHEI, our Malaria Prevention Program focuses on increasing the use of insecticide treated bednets (ITNs) in Humjibre and its surrounding communities. This method is considered to be relatively very effective in decreasing the prevalence of malaria. Our program uses trained community health workers to assist families in hanging bednets, and then offer in-home education and monthly follow-up visits to ensure continued proper use.

This year for World Malaria Day, GHEI is presenting a series of outreach programs in Humjibre and the neighboring communities of Soroano and Kojina to support public education of malaria symptoms, treatment and prevention- with a focus on bednets.

Be sure to check back soon for Part II of this blog to see this year’s GHEI World Malaria Day outreach programs!

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Sources:

President’s Malaria Initiative. 2012. Malaria Operational Plan–FY 2012 (Year 5). Ghana.

Shiner, Cindy. "Malaria - Keeping a Crafty Killer On the Run." allAfrica.com. http://allafrica.com/stories/201304250108.html?aa_source=slideout (accessed April 25, 2013).