Malaria is not an uncommon term in our society, infact the mortality rate of the disease is increasing at an alarming rate.
According to World Health Organization, Of the 91 countries reporting indigenous malaria cases in 2016, 15 countries – all in sub-Saharan Africa, except India – carried 80% of the global malaria burden. Source
Malaria is caused by the female anopheles mosquito and can be prevented by carrying out appropriate practices. Our children are not left out of this at all, infact they are the most affected of all age groups.World health organization states that:
Every 2 minutes, a child under age 5 dies from Malaria!
Ways to Prevent Malaria Infection
- Use of Insectiscide-treated Mosquito Nets
- Use of Repellent creams and soaps
- Use of appropriate insectiscides
- Clearing of bushes around the home and cleaning all gutters. Removal of stagnant water as they breed mosquitoes.
Treatment
I strongly advise that everyone gets tested either by the use of the Rapid diagnostic test (at any community pharmacy) or a blood test (at a Laboratory). Any fever that has lasted more than the duration of 3days should be checked.
Appropriate Treatment includes but not limited to:
- Sulfadoxine+Pyrimethamine (swidar, amalar, fansidar etc.) For preventive measures. This is also safe for a pregnant woman.
- Arthemether + Lumefantrine (lonart, coartem, amatem, combisunate, lumartem, etc). It is very important that you follow the dosing of this drug and for the stipulated number of day even if you are feeling better. There is a rise in resistance to this class of antimalaria and this is due to its abuse.
- Artesunate + Amodiaquine (Camosunate, Asaq etc). Some prescribers prefer this class due to the increase in resistance to the arthemether + Lumefantrine class. Do ensure you comply with the dose.
- Dihydroartemisinin + piperaquine (P-alaxin, waipa etc).
And many more.
All Community Pharmacies are equipped to treat malaria. Do visit one today!
We are Ready to Beat Malaria, do Join us!
Compiled By Pharm Badmus Mary (MPSN)
