World Malaria Day 2013

‘Despite recent progress, about half the world’s population still lives in malaria risk areas and malaria remains a leading cause of death amongst young children‘.

  •  Every 60 seconds a child dies from malaria
  •  Globally malaria is the biggest killer of man
  •  86% of people who die from malaria are children under 5 mostly in sub-Sahara Africa
  •  660 000 estimated malaria deaths globally
  •  219 million malaria cases worldwide
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World Malaria Day: Prevention is the only way to save precious lives

Malaria disease caused by P.falciparum may result in death within hours or a few days of infection. Most at risk are those with a low immunity such as children, pregnant women, people with HIV and AIDS and travelers with little or no malaria protection. It can also result in the miscarriage of pregnant women, low birth-weight infants, developmental disabilities and other complications. Until there is a cure, malaria prevention is the only way to save lives. In developing countries like Zambia using impregnated mosquito nets is essential. Sadly there are insufficient government supplies to reach everyone.

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This net found in Kamwi Village was full of holes and shared between four children

The Butterfly Tree’s malaria prevention program provides mosquito nets, malaria testing kits and educational workshops. One of our major donors Saga Charitable Trust, has donated enough funds for every household in the Mukuni Chiefdom to each have three nets. The result is that there are no new cases of malaria where nets are being used. This year we have also distributed nets to four clinics in the Sekute Chiefdom, many of the villages are close to the Zambezi River, a breeding ground for mosquito. These were generously donated by Grant and Marilee Gibson of Canada. Though malaria can easily be treated far too often people have to walk over 30 kilometres to seek treatment due to the lack of rural clinics.

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Jacob (left) delivers nets to Mandea Rural Health Centre in the Sikute Chiefdom

Our team in Zambia have recently identified an area in the Nyawa Chiefdom. Kauwe Health Centre report on average of six new cases of malaria a week, this is particularly high. In Mukuni and Sekute the numbers have dropped to between two and three cases per month. We are appealing for funds to purchase 3300 impregnated mosquito nets to cover a population of 8000. Each net costs just £5 ($8). If you would like to make a donation it could save a child’s life.

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