Malaria Flashcards
How many deaths does it cause annually
400,000 and mostly under 5
Where are deaths most concentrated
SSA, 90%
How many live in risk areas
3.4b, 106 countries
What ranked LIC killer is it
6th
Cause
Female anopheles mosquito, parasites with 7 different forms infect red blood cells
Symptoms
Headache, muscle fatigue and pain, coma
Treatment
Known cure of quinine since 1600s, known prevention of mosquitoes since 1987
Physical factors
Between tropics, rainfall above 1000mm/yr, forested areas, 16-32C, altitudes below 1500m
Socio-economic factors
Cultural attitude (factor of life), housing (cane walls), little investment in control or vaccines, slums, primary sector, children more vulnerable (0-5 mostly, 6-14 risk as neglected), little money
What % annual depression of economic growth if malaria
1.3%
Prevention in 1950s
US blitzed with DDT as cultural issues, resistance in remaining remote locations, WHO “one of the greatest mistakes ever made in the field of public health”
Prevention in 1990s
Focus on bednets and education as only 20% used
Prevention now
Eradicated with infrastructure so focus on artemisin-based combination therapy instead. Still insecticidal nets as lowers 90% cases
Malaria management
MDGs and SDGs mention malaria
What % mortality rate decline
42% 2000-2012
Links to HIV
Malaria causes anemia, may need blood transfusions so HIV risk, AIDs worsens symptoms
What % Nigerian population at risk
97%, year round S transmission, 3 months in N
2021 World Malaria report: what % cases in Nigeria
Over 25%
What is the current malaria plan in Nigeria
2021-5 National Malaria Strategic Plan: lower malaria mortality to <5% by 2025 with technical support from WHO
US President’s Malaria Initiative
Focused on promotion of insecticidal nets, indoor residual spraying, intermittent preventative treatment for pregnant women (at least 2 doses), recommends parasitological confirmation before treatment
What is the issue with treating children
Despite ACT being recommended, over 70% children treated with others e.g. chloroquine
