Commemoration of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Day on 6 November every year aims to create awareness about malaria and mobilize the community to participate in malaria control programs.
Communities are mobilized through health education to:
*Recognize signs and symptoms of malaria
*Provide more home-based treatment
*Seek treatment when they become ill
*Use personal protective measure.
Facts about malaria:
*Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
*About 3.2 billion people – almost half of the world’s population – are at risk of malaria.
*Young children, pregnant women and non-immune travellers from malaria-free areas are particularly vulnerable to the disease when they become infected.
*Malaria is preventable and curable, and increased efforts are dramatically reducing the malaria burden in many places.
*Sub-Saharan Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2015, the region was home to 89% of malaria cases and 91% of malaria deaths.
It is important to know and understand the symptoms of Malaria.
Signs and symptoms of malaria may include:
-Fever
-Chills
-General feeling of discomfort
-Headache
-Nausea and vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Abdominal pain
-Muscle or joint pain
-Fatigue
-Rapid breathing
-Rapid heart rate
-Cough
Read more:
Speak to Dr Wolmarans should you have any queries regarding your child’s health
Dr Wolmarans: 012 549 8900 / office@gjmw.co.za
Visit our website for more info: www.gjmw.co.za