Malaria causes, prevention, and our responsibilities- by Sher Muhammad Khan

 Malaria causes, prevention, and our responsibilities

Sher Muhammad Khan

Development Professional working with National Organization in Malaria Project Sindh

Malaria is a serious health problem in many countries of the world, especially in developing countries. Malaria is also an important disease in Sindh and Pakistan, which increases especially after rains. This disease is spread by mosquitoes and leaves a serious impact on the human body, the consequences of which are not treated at the right time can be dangerous.

From then until August 2022, more than 3.4 million malaria cases were reported in Pakistan, compared to 2.6 million cases reported in 2021. More than 170,000 cases were laboratory-confirmed, most of which were of Plasmodium vivax. After the devastating floods in mid-June 2022, a sharp increase in cases was observed in Balochistan and Sindh provinces, which together accounted for 78% of confirmed cases.

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans by the female Anopheles mosquito. After biting an infected person, this mosquito keeps the Plasmodium parasite in its body and then by biting another healthy person, it transmits the parasite to his body. These are the main reasons for the increasing rate of malaria in Sindh.

In June 2022, Pakistan experienced devastating floods that affected more than 33 million people, declared 81 districts as disaster-hit, and severely damaged health infrastructure. (Statistics taken from WHO)

Goes, in which mosquitoes breed rapidly.

Dirt and lack of sanitation: Lack of sanitation and accumulation of garbage in many areas also increases the breeding of mosquitoes.

Lack of health awareness: Lack of awareness among the general public about malaria and mosquito prevention is also a major reason for the spread of the disease.

Effects of climate: The climatic conditions of Sindh, especially with increasing humidity and temperature, provide a better environment for the breeding of mosquitoes.

Treatment and medical facilities: In many districts of Sindh, the federal and Sindh governments are providing malaria tests and free medicines with the help of foreign aid. But many rural areas do not have adequate medical facilities, due to which the number of malaria cases increases

Methods to prevent malaria

Various strategies can be adopted to avoid malaria, some of the important ones are as follows:

Mosquito repellent sprays and nets: Mosquito repellent sprays, creams and mosquito nets should be used to prevent mosquito breeding.

Focus on sanitation: Dirt and stagnant water contribute to the spread of malaria, so removing stagnant water and dirt from the home and neighborhood is essential.

Eliminate stagnant water: Stagnant water increases the breeding of mosquitoes, so the water should be disposed of properly. This is especially important in gutters, drains and gutters after rain.

Wear appropriate clothing: Wearing long clothes especially in the evening and at night can protect you from mosquito bites

Indoor Mosquito Control: To eliminate mosquitoes indoors, use mosquito repellent sprays or similar products every few days.

Use of medicines: If there is a high risk of malaria in an area, use of preventive medicine to help prevent the disease.

Guidelines of the Department of Health: The guidelines issued by the Department of Health regarding prevention of malaria should be followed to ensure timely preventive measures.

Our Responsibilities in Malaria Prevention

Not only health institutions, but also individuals, communities and society have certain responsibilities to prevent infectious diseases like malaria, which are as follows:

Individual Responsibilities

Cleanliness It is the responsibility of every individual to keep his house and surrounding areas clean, free of standing water and dirt, which help in the breeding of mosquitoes. If anyone feels the symptoms of malaria, contact a doctor immediately. should be treated and treated to prevent further spread of the disease.: Everyone should use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents at night when sleeping.

Responsibilities of householders: Every householder should pay special attention to the health of children and the elderly in the house and try to protect them from mosquitoes. Household members should install mosquito nets and ensure cleanliness in the house.

Unity and Social Responsibilities:: People at the community level should be informed about ways to avoid malaria. Awareness campaigns through schools, media, and health centers can create awareness about this disease in the community. Cleanliness campaigns should be carried out at the community level in the locality to eliminate littering and prevent the increase in mosquito population.

Responsibilities of the Health Department and the Government: It is the responsibility of the Health Department to make available adequate drugs and treatment for malaria prevention, especially in rural areas where the risk of the disease is high. Awareness campaigns and standing water drainage measures to reduce the risk of malaria. Government should use media and other means to create awareness about malaria and encourage people to take action.

Malaria is a dangerous disease that not only affects the health of the individual, but also causes social and economic losses. Avoiding this requires individuals, families, communities, and government to work together. The risk of contracting this disease can be reduced by keeping personal hygiene, taking precautions, and going to the hospital promptly for treatment. Only with joint efforts will we be able to rid Sindh and Pakistan of diseases like malaria.