Malaria Prevention Saves Lives

According to the World Health Organisation:

• In response to high demand for the first-ever malaria vaccine, 12 countries in Africa will be allocated a total of 18 million doses of RTS,S/AS01 for the 2023–2025 period
• Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme countries Ghana, Kenya and Malawi will receive doses to continue vaccinations in pilot areas
• Allocations were also made for new introductions in Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda

'The WHO added that in addition to Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, the initial 18 million dose allocation will enable nine more countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda, to introduce the vaccine into their routine immunization programmes for the first time.'

Unfortunately, Zambia is not on these lists. While it may not of the highest prevalence of malaria last year Zambia experienced a surge in malaria cases, with over 11 million reported in 2023, a significant rise from the 8.1 million cases recorded in 2022.

In areas where Butterfly Tree has distributed mosquito nets, cases have been reduced. Most recently after a distribution of 1,000 mosquito nets to pupils and teachers at Kauwe school. A statement for the Environmental Officer at Kauwe Rural Health Centre ‘We have recorded a notable change in terms of malaria among pupils after your donation. So far we have not recorded any new cases of malaria.’

At the end of 2023 we also donated several hundred mosquito nets to Mabwe zone schools. We are committed to helping the fight against malaria and believe that our 'mosquito nets for schools' programme is having asubstantial impact. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project. A mosquito net costs just $8 (£6) and could save a child's life.

'WHO has added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to its list of prequalified vaccines. In October 2023, WHO recommended its use for the prevention of malaria in children following the advice of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group.'

This is great news  from the World Health Organisation and could potentially save the lives of thousands of children in Africa. Zambia was not one of the countries selected for trials therefore it is imperative to continue with our 'Mosquito Nets for Schools' programme until such a time when the vaccine is readily available. 

A recent donation has enabled us to purchaseover 1,350 mosquito nets to provide every child and teacher at Kauwe Primary and Secondary schools with a mosquito net.

Though the rains have been intermittent this season, malaria is still prevalent. Kauwe is a remote area in Nyawa Chiefdom, and every week the medical health centre has been recording new malaria cases. The donation of mosquito nets will help to prevent further new cases in school children.

In addition to providing support for malaria we support three rural health centres - Simonga, Bunsanga and Mambova, every month. Each facility has been built or expanded by The Butterfly Tree, reducing the distance people must travel to seek medical attention. Once we have completed a health centre or post the Ministry of Health provides the trained medical staff. Simonga is shortly to receive a shelter for visitors and more equipment will be donated to the main clinic and maternity ward

These rural health posts and the malaria prevention interventions help to save the lives of countless children and vulnerable people. Thank you to everyone who has supported our cause.

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree Newsletter