WASHINGTON D.C. – The world’s battle against malaria is finally showing signs of victory. Approximately 3.3 million people have been saved from this mosquito-borne disease since the year 2000. This is a great feat as the global rate of malaria has decreased by 45 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that political commitment and increased funding has allowed for this global health progress. Many rapid tests and preventative treatments for children and pregnant women also attribute to this downward trend in malaria.
In Africa alone, there has usually been over 600,000 annual child deaths due to this disease. Clinical trials are to begin in seven African countries to hopefully curtail malaria related deaths. There is hope for Africa, as a 49 percent decrease in cases has already been reported. Dr. Robert Newman, head of the WHO’s global malaria program stated that despite this advancement, malaria is still a serious problem for developing countries.
In Southeast Asia, there have been numerous reports of a drug-resistant malaria that is unusual and cannot be stopped by the best available combination therapies. Currently, no effective vaccine has been developed for this new strain in Asia. Just last year 627,000 people died from this infection.
Millions of people, including infants are not able to attain quality treatment in developing countries marked by broken health systems. A WHO official has commented on the great progress for stopping malaria, but suggests these cases should actually be declining at an even faster rate. According to the United Nations’ secretary, winning this battle could potentially increase the economies of a multitude of nations.
Compared to a decade ago though, the advancement in stopping this disease is clearly evident. More people have access to mosquito nets in the developing world, especially in Africa where there are also malaria drugs that have proven to be a success. Several governments and organizations that have spent billions on this fight against malaria are finally seeing the benefits of their work.
Moreover, most low-income countries are now able to provide quick diagnostic tests for those living far from health centers. Manufacturers of this test nearly doubled supplies from 45 million to 88 million and if progress continues as it has, the WHO could potentially reach its goal of slashing the number of malaria cases by the year 2015.
– Maybelline Martez
Sources: WHO, NPR, Global Post
Photo: Flickr