The Urgency of Malaria Treatment: Saving Lives, One Clinic At A Time

In the global fight against disease, few adversaries loom as large as malaria. This insidious parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. 

However, amidst the grim statistics and the often-overlooked suffering, there lies a beacon of hope: the power of donation.

Malaria, though preventable and treatable, continues to ravage communities worldwide, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare resources. The burden falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations – children under five and pregnant women are especially at risk. The disease not only exacts a heavy toll in terms of lives lost but also inflicts economic hardship on families and impedes societal development.

How Is Malaria Spread?

Malaria is primarily spread through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasite is picked up by mosquitoes feeding on an infected person. These parasites grow and mature in the mosquito before being transmitted to another person through feeding. 

Malaria tends to be found in warm and tropical climates: 

“Where malaria is found depends mainly on climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Malaria is transmitted in tropical and subtropical areas, where

• Anopheles mosquitoes can survive and multiply, and
• Malaria parasites can complete their growth cycle in the mosquitoes (“extrinsic incubation period”).

Temperature is particularly critical. For example, at temperatures below 20°C (68°F), Plasmodium falciparum (which causes severe malaria) cannot complete its growth cycle in the Anophelesmosquito, and thus cannot be transmitted.” – CDC, Where Malaria Occurs

This is why it is so common in many of the areas where Mission Partners For Christ serves in Africa. The climate is a perfect breeding ground for these parasites.

• Fever and sweating.
• Chills that shake your whole body.
• Headache and muscle aches.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain, breathing problems and cough.
• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

As malaria gets worse, it can cause anemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

The most severe form of malaria, which may progress to a coma, is known as cerebral malaria. This type represents about 15% of deaths in children and nearly 20% of adult deaths. –

Cleveland Clinic

How Common Is Malaria?

“Nearly every minute, a child under five dies of malaria. Many of these deaths are preventable and treatable. In 2022, there were 249 million malaria cases globally that led to 608,000 deaths in total. Of these deaths, 76 per cent were children under 5 years of age. This translates into a daily toll of over one thousand children under age 5.” – UNICEF Report

“The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2022 the Region was home to about 94% of all malaria cases and 95% of deaths. Children under 5 years of age accounted for about 78% of all malaria deaths in the Region.

Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (26.8%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.3%), Uganda (5.1%) and Mozambique (4.2%).” – WHO Report

Needless to say, malaria is a terrible disease that has impacted far too many people, particularly children.

The numbers become even more bleak when we consider that malaria also puts the infected individual at risk of developing other illnesses as well:

“As an example, he notes that contracting malaria makes you more likely to get salmonella disease – the most common bloodstream infection in Africa with a case fatality of up to 20-25%. Malaria also seems to make people susceptible to bacterial infections more broadly, with a Lancet study out of Eastern Kenya in 2011 demonstrating that over half of bacteremia cases were attributable to malaria.” – NPR, The malaria vaccine that just rolled out has a surprise benefit for kids

Here are several compelling reasons on how Mission Partners For Christ donors help:

• Saving Lives: Every donation contributes to the provision of vital medications that can prevent and treat malaria. With adequate funding, healthcare organizations can expand access to these life-saving resources, reaching more individuals in need and reducing mortality rates.
• Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Malaria perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty, as families grappling with the disease face increased healthcare expenses. By providing the funds needed for malaria medication, donors can help break this cycle, empowering communities to thrive economically and improving overall well-being.
• Global Solidarity: Malaria knows no borders, and its eradication demands a concerted global effort. Donating to malaria treatment demonstrates solidarity with individuals and communities affected by the disease, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in addressing health challenges.
• Ethical Imperative: As members of a global community, we have a moral obligation to alleviate suffering and promote health equity. Donating to malaria treatment reflects a commitment to loving our neighbors as ourselves, following the example of Jesus.

Donating to malaria treatment is not merely an act of charity – it is an investment in a healthier, more equitable world. It is also a practical way to share the love of Jesus with others. By showing them that complete strangers loved them enough to care for their health and well-being, we are also communicating to them about the love of the God who created them. 

Together, we have the power to turn the tide against the deadly disease of malaria and create a brighter future for generations to come.