Despite tremendous progress in using insecticide treated nets to provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes, malaria remains an acute public health concern in Sierra Leone . In 2015, there were 214 million new cases of malaria reported, and approximately 438,000 people died of this treatable disease. 70 per cent of the new cases were children under 5 years of age. This project will provide medication to children infected by malaria - that will help them recover from this disease.
Malaria is the leading cause of death among children in Africa. While mosquito bed nets provide very effective protection while asleep, they do not protect children from exposure to mosquitoes in the early evening (before bedtime) when mosquitoes are active. Malaria causes unnecessary sickness, hospitalization and deaths which could easily be prevented.
In addition to insecticide-treated bed nets, ready access to malaria medication will help prevent deaths from malaria. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) will confirm illness before antimalarial treatment is started. Patients will be treated with a proven routine to ensure their recovery and prevent relapse. This project will provide the recommended tests and needed medication.
Adding this 2nd line of defense will save many lives. This will also ensure that families do not have to spend their meager income on medications. A reduction in deaths by malaria will make it possible for more people, who would otherwise have passed away, to participate in building stronger families, communities and the nation.
