Sri Lanka malaria free and Delhi sees two deaths because of Malaria in just over two months

Sri Lanka malaria free and Delhi sees two deaths because of Malaria in just over two months: The need for mass awareness about prevention

New Delhi, September 07, 2016: Malaria is a preventable disease, and it is imperative that awareness is raised about reducing the rising disease incidence around the Globe. Estimates indicate that over 3.2 billion people live at risk of contracting malaria. In 2015, there were an estimated 214 million malaria cases and some 438 000 malaria-related deaths. For a preventable disease, these numbers are alarming.

In India too malaria is a major public health concern. Over 561 people died due to the disease in 2014, 440 in 2013 and 519 in 2012.

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquito vectors. Of the five parasite species that cause malaria in humans, Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly.

About 95% of Indian’s population resides in malaria endemic areas, and 80% of the malaria cases reported in the country are confined to areas consisting of 20% of the population residing in tribal, hilly, difficult and inaccessible areas.

Young children, pregnant women are most vulnerable. Those under 5 are particularly susceptible to infection, illness and death. More than two-thirds (70%) of all malaria deaths occur in this age group.

“Comprehensive malaria prevention and control measures can play a key role in dramatically reducing the malaria burden in the country. Sri Lanka, for instance, has successfully won the battle against malaria. Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces disease and prevents deaths. It also contributes to reducing malaria transmission. ICMR and IMA should be allowed to do a post-mortem analysis of all 561 cases to learn lessons and come up with comprehensive strategies to fight malaria in the country”, said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Elect & Honorary Secretary General IMA & President Heart Care Foundation of India.

Access to diagnostic testing and treatment should be seen not only as a component of malaria control but as a fundamental right of all populations at risk. Artemisinin-based combination therapies remain effective in almost all settings, as long as the partner drug in the combination is locally effective.

Long-lasting insecticidal nets provide personal protection against mosquito bites. They can be used as protection for people most at risk of malaria, such as young children and pregnant women. The nets are effective for 2-3 years, depending on the model and conditions of use.

The full potential of indoor residual spraying is obtained when at least 80% of houses in targeted areas are sprayed. Indoor spraying with insecticides kills the mosquito vector and is effective for 3–6 months, depending on the insecticide used and the type of surface on which it is sprayed.

For pregnant women WHO recommends intermittent preventive treatment at each scheduled antenatal visit after the first trimester.

The mosquito bites between dusk and dawn. It is thus important that protection for all people at risk of malaria with effective malaria vector control is considered. Two forms of vector control – insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying – are effective in a wide range of circumstances

1. As per the WHO recommendation, all cases of suspected malaria should be confirmed using parasite-based diagnostic testing (either microscopy or rapid diagnostic test) before administering treatment. Results of parasitological confirmation can be available in 30 minutes or less.

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About Heart Care Foundation of India

Initiated in 1986, the Heart Care Foundation of India is a leading National NGO working in the field of creating mass health awareness among people from all walks of life and providing solutions for India’s everyday healthcare needs. The NGO uses consumer-based entertainment modules to impart health education and increase awareness amongst people. A leading example of this is the Perfect Health Mela, an annual event started in 1993 that is attended by over 2-3 lakh people each year. The Mela showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars and check-ups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. In addition to this, the NGO conducts programs and camps to train people on the technique of hands only CPR through its CPR 10 mantra for revival after a sudden cardiac arrest. They currently hold three Limca book of world records for the maximum number of people trained in hands-only CPR in one go. Keeping article 21 of the Indian constitution in mind, which guarantees a person Right to Life, Heart Care Foundation of India has also recently initiated a project called the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund to ensure that no one dies of a heart disease just because they cannot afford treatment.