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Save A Child From Malaria

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Why Malaria Is Alive And Well Today

Malaria, while virtually eradicated in many parts of the world, continues to be a deadly force in too many areas, particularly those countries in the tropics and subtropics near the Equator.

The sub-saharan areas of Africa tend to be some of the hardest hit countries, due in part because of poverty.

In Africa, Malaria Kills One Child Every 30 Seconds.

Please, be my guest in learning more about the deadly parasite that causes Malaria, the devastation caused by Malaria, an amazing program to help treat Malaria and what you can do to help.

What You Wish You Didn't Know About Marlaria

Some Sad But True Facts About Malaria:

  • Malaria Kills One Child Every 30 Seconds In Africa.
  • There are Between 350 - 500 Million Cases of Malaria Every Year. Approximately 2.7 Million of Those Cases Result In Death.
  • 90% of Malaria Related Deaths are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The Leading Cause of Death in Ghana, a country in West Africa, is Malaria. Approximately 25% of Children There Who Die Before Their 5th Birthday, Die from Malaria.
  • Some Countries in The Tropics Like Brazil, India and Vietnam to Name a Few, have Largely Won The Battle of Eradicating Malaria. Sadly Economics are the Main Reason Malaria is Still Rampant in Poverty Stricken Countries, like Ghana.

Exactly What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a highly contagious, infectious disease that is caused by protozoan parasites.

It is contracted by a bite from a specific mosquito, a female Anopheles. This Anopheles mosquito has previously bitten and extracted blood from someone who is infected with Malaria. The parasites then rapidly multiply in their victims red blood cells.

The Symptoms And The Effects

As if the following symptoms of Malaria weren't bad enough, the effects are repeated throughout the victim's lifetime if not treated.

Symptoms include:

Dizziness
Anemia
Fever - Chills
Nausea - Vomiting
Flu-like Illness
Convulsions
Coma

And far too often, Death.

These symptoms reoccur every two days until the infection subsides. Unfortunately the infection can reoccur without notice throughout the victims life.

In some cases, Malaria victims are left with brain damage and permanent retinol damage.

Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to Malaria.

Prevention & Treatment

While attempts at prevention are ongoing, some countries are more successful than others, the common denominator that thwarts efforts is, of course, money.

Preventive drugs are available as well as drugs that treat the infection, however they are cost prohibitive in many countries as they must be taken continuously and often the parasite becomes immune to the drugs with long term use. As with any synthetic drug and long term use, the side effects can range from unpleasant to severe health risks.

No vaccination has ever been created to prevent Malaria.

One of the most effective methods of prevention has been mosquito netting that is impregnated with insecticide. Other than the possible toxicity from the insecticide, this method has been effective in reducing the cases of Malaria outbreaks in many regions. Of course again cost is a factor.

If you would like to learn more about preventing Malaria with mosquito netting or perhaps donate to this cause here are some links:

Malaria In Africa

Malaria Facts

Malaria No More

Lenses That Matter

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Thank You For Taking Time To Learn About How You Can Help Save A Child

What Did You Learn About Eradicating Malaria?

  • LindaJM Sep 13, 2010 @ 5:11 pm | delete
    A very important lens! Sometimes we forget how lucky we are - and how much other people need our help!
  • lala Aug 14, 2010 @ 1:25 pm | delete
    me and my class are healping people and raising money for nets
  • lala Aug 14, 2010 @ 1:25 pm | delete
    me and my class are healping people and raising money for nets
  • wilddove6 Jan 13, 2010 @ 8:36 pm | delete
    A very important topic that highlights the how poverty adds so many needless deaths to something that is preventable.
    I've contributed to Nothing but Nets in the past, and it's time to do so again.
    Excellent lens....and a big five stars!
  • skiesgreen Nov 3, 2009 @ 7:26 pm | delete
    Great lens. I also lens rolled this to my African Child Abuse lens. 5* and fave By the way I use CS for everything from an upset stomach to stopping flu. Its great stuff
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What You Will Learn About Malaria

  1. What You Wish You Didn't Know About Marlaria
  2. Exactly What Is Malaria?
  3. The Symptoms And The Effects
  4. Prevention & Treatment
  5. Lenses That Matter
  6. What Did You Learn About Eradicating Malaria?

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homebasedangell

Hello, I'm Sheri. Thank you for visiting this lens and participating in raising awareness about the tragedy Malaria brings to so many children in the world.

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