The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Alieu Ceesay and Hatab Fadera
5 November 2008
The media being in the frontline of disseminating information has a big role to play when it comes to fight against the killer diseases, malaria and HIV/Aids in Africa and the world at large.
Health reporters contribute a lot towards enlightening the general populace on the dangers and impacts of these ailments, raising awareness about possible symptoms, ways and means of prevention.
Caused by a plasmodium parasite, which is injected into the blood stream of a potential victim by the mosquito, Malaria is estimated to affect about 300-350 million people the world over, and it is reported to be responsible for 1.2 million deaths globally. The number of people dying as a result of malarial infection increases on an annual basis, this is especially so in the horn of Africa.
According to global statistics, malaria victims are mostly found in Africa, accounting for about 90% of death in Africa.
Malaria is a disease that mostly affects children under 5 years including pregnant women, and it is said to consume 40% of health expenditure.
The HIV/Aids pandemic is another problem of the day, which is spread mainly through sexual contact. It is another most devastating global health problem of our time, killing people in masses through out the globe. Many believe that it is a leading cause of chronic poverty in the world, especially in Africa.
The media is therefore expected to enlighten and educate the world about this two devastating diseases that are causing untold deaths and suffering in the world.
It is the responsibility of all segment of the media; be it print or electronic, to ensure that the people are aware of the devastating effects of these diseases.
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