World Malaria Day 2020: Zero Malaria Starts With Me
At this time, when COVID-19 is on everyone’s lips, World Malaria Day reminds us of the growing concern of the Malaria endemic which affects millions, recording thousands of deaths yearly. In Bill Gates’ words, ‘The malaria parasite has been killing children and sapping the strength of whole populations for tens of thousands of years. It is impossible to calculate the harm malaria has done to the world.”
Malaria threatens education, social development, and life, and so needs to be controlled. As stakeholders, political leaders, the private sector, and community members must concert their efforts against Malaria.
The theme for World Malaria Day 2020 is ‘Zero Malaria Starts with me’. It supports the continent-wide campaign against Malaria. The campaign calls for political commitment, private sector engagement, and community engagement. That way, it is possible to eliminate Malaria at a global level. All society pillars have their parts to play.
For instance, the government needs to make more financial commitment to the eradication of Malaria. Health workers must prioritize malaria prevention and care. Organizational donors and private partners are to coordinate appropriate actions to fight Malaria. Individuals should also become aware of themselves.
Everyone needs to raise awareness of Malaria, and be a part of the fight against the disease. We must take ownership of our health and the environment.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts the rise of Malaria in Africa, especially the densely populated areas of East Africa. In the IPCC’s words, “Malarial mosquitoes will benefit from the warmer temperatures causing increased epidemics of Africa’s biggest killer, and introducing the disease to areas which have so far been considered out of harm’s way.” This prediction tells us that our daily actions towards the environment force malaria to stay, and hinder development.
Former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon also remarked that “We are the first generation to be able to end poverty and the last generation that can take steps to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to uphold our moral and historical responsibilities.” This statement highlights the catastrophic effects of denying Climate change, as there are more malaria cases where the citizenry chooses the path of inaction by not taking care of their environment.
Now, How Can I End Malaria?
UNICEF reveals that over 40% of the world population lives in malaria-risk areas. However, we can make these areas less friendly for Malaria. And that starts with me. I can prevent Malaria by obeying Environmental rules. Also, I am to make environment- friendly decisions which rid the environment of harmful substances.
Consider this: if I took care of my environment and became concerned about my carbon footprints, would I contribute to Malaria’s eradication? Of course, I would! I fight against Malaria by clearing the bushes at my backyard and ensuring that I am not rearing mosquitoes in the stagnant water around the porch. Also, correct disposal of trash and embracing recycling keeps everyone safe from the disease and ensures a sustainable environment.
Like Climate Change, we can reduce the effects of Malaria if everyone embraces the ‘Zero Malaria starts with me’ culture. We must take precautionary measures against Malaria. For example, obeying Environmental Impact stipulations contributes to this global fight. We all should support investments against Malaria. That way, ‘Zero malaria’ becomes a reality.
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.
Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
- Rumi
On this World Malaria Day 2020, join the advocacy strategy to increase the awareness of Malaria. Remember that there’s a need for national and individual commitment to eliminate the disease. And that’s because ‘Zero Malaria starts with me”.
