2024 World Malaria Day

This week, on April 25, the World Health Organziation (WHO) recognizes World Malaria Day and the need for continued support in combatting the effects of malaria, especially on those most vulnerable. As efforts continue to make preventative solutions and antimalarial drugs more accessible, women and children are still disproportionately affected. Pregnant women are at risk due to their reduced immunity to malaria, increasing the chances that both mother and child experience unwanted outcomes. Young children remain most in danger, though, with the WHO reporting:

“In 2022, an estimated 4 out of 5 malaria-related deaths in the African Region were among children under 5 years of age. Inequities in access to education and financial resources further exacerbates risk: children under 5 years of age from the poorest households in sub-Saharan Africa are 5 times more likely to be infected with malaria than those from the wealthiest households.”

Our volunteer health worker colleagues have seen first-hand how malaria impacts their communities and are there to provide support! They educate families on how to reduce the risk, warning signs of a possible malaria case, and encouragement to visit the clinic and receive antimalarial medications when someone falls ill. Our colleagues also teach families how to make Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to combat dehydration, which often happens as the body experiences the negative symptoms of malaria. This health education and support is life-saving! 

This World Malaria Day, we thank our volunteer community health worker colleagues for their support in addressing malaria and working toward a healthier future!