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Africa: Step Up Malaria War


The Nation (Nairobi)
 

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The Nation (Nairobi)

EDITORIAL
26 April 2008
Posted to the web 25 April 2008

The World Malaria Day was marked yesterday in style and the high point was the launch of anti-mosquito spraying campaign in Rachuonyo District. The campaign, dubbed Indoor Residual Spraying, will be rolled out to other 16 districts that are prone to malaria.

Celebrating the day was significant in focusing attention to a disease, which although is a leading killer, has not received the emphasis it deserves.

Going by conservative estimates, about 80 per cent of Kenyans are at the risk of contracting the disease. Specifically, malaria kills 34,000 children annually in Kenya, not to mention pregnant women and other adults. Besides, malaria has other negative side effects such as stunting growth of children or leading to birth of deformed children.

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Clearly, this is a serious health challenge that needs to be given fresh attention. Past efforts such as formulating malaria control strategies that involved distribution of treated nets have not achieved the desired goals. As such, new approaches are required. From the experience in the war on HIV, what is critical is political will that translates into adequate funding and awareness campaigns.

The Government and other agencies need to commit more resources to the war on malaria and give it the attention it deserves. Observing the malaria day was a welcome symbolic gesture but that is not an end itself. It should provide the impetus for more focused and concerted actions to rid the country and the region of this deadly disease.

It is a shame that 44 years after independence, when the founding fathers declared war against disease, hunger and ignorance, malaria and other common ailments still afflict our people and consign many to premature deaths.


Recent comments on Africa: Step Up Malaria War. Click here to write your own.
Author: Arielle K

I am just wanting to give some information on Malaria- a treatment, it is a natural one, and is relatively inexpensive. I have nothing to do with this product, but I do know they are hoping to get it out to Africa as soon as possible. It is called MMS or Miracle Mineral Solution and it comes from Australia (I live in Sydney. Here is a link to a story about it: http://www.health-science-spirit.com/MMS.html and where to buy it: http://www.strideintohealth.com/main/page_product_gallery_our_products_more_products.html I hope that this information might help even one person out there. Jah bless.


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