By Alka Subramanian | Director
Is malaria a problem? In 2022, malaria claimed 608,000 lives globally (6% higher than pre-COVID), with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 94% of malaria cases and deaths. Zambia, one of 20 countries with the highest malaria incidence and mortality, has a high prevalence of malaria co-infection with HIV and TB. The population of Zambia is skewed younger (median age 17 years) which aggravates the problem, as malaria can be fatal for children and pregnant women living with HIV. Children infected with HIV continue to suffer for several years after recovering from malaria, and pregnant women are likely to deliver underweight babies. Older/adults living with HIV and/or infected with TB are also vulnerable to malaria. Also, since 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty they cannot afford nets, 33% of homes do not have nets, and the rest do not have enough nets.
Our response: According to the WHO, sleeping under a net is the most cost-effective method of prevention of malaria and other vector borne diseases. This year, we have provided 2,000 long lasting insecticide treated nets and education on malaria prevention benefitting 7,000 children or 4,000 adults as each net can sleep up to four children and two adults.
Next steps: Our plan is to provide 15,000 long lasting insecticide treated nets this year benefitting 30,000 adults or 55,000 children. Direct beneficiaries are young children, children/adults living with HIV and/or TB, HIV+ pregnant women, older adults living in rural/peri-urban/urban resource poor areas.
How you can save lives: We are raising funds to provide an additional 12,000-15,000 nets to people who cannot afford to purchase nets. And our dream is to eradicate malaria from Zambia. Help make this a reality by donating generously. Every dollar that goes towards malaria prevention saves lives.
Thank you for giving the gift of health to thousands of adults and children vulnerable to malaria.
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