Imagine No Malaria

GOOD NEWS: MALARIA IS 100% PREVENTABLE

Unlike many other diseases that are awaiting a cure, malaria was eliminated in the U.S. in the 1950s. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria continues to kill a child every 2 minutes. 

But, there is hope! Imagine No Malaria is part of a global partnership and together with our partners; our generation can beat malaria once and for all. By improving the ways people fight the disease using bed nets, providing access to diagnostic tests and medicine, draining standing water, and improving sanitation we have already helped reduce malaria deaths by more than half. Imagine No Malaria combines integrated health infrastructure, education and advocacy to address death and the debilitating effects of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS MALARIA?

Malaria is caused by a parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of the female anopheles mosquito. This mosquito flies and feeds at night (which is why bed nets are an effective prevention tool). 

When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the bloodstream and heads for the liver, where it multiplies. It then re-enters the bloodstream, attacking red blood cells. Typically, someone with malaria experiences a high fever, chills, joint pain and headaches. Left untreated, symptoms eventually advance to organ failure. Nearly 90 percent of malaria’s victims are children under the age of 5 and pregnant women.

THROUGH PARTNERSHIP, WE HAVE MADE EXTRAORDINARY PROGRESS

In 2007, the World Health Organization estimated there were more than 1,000,000 malaria related fatalities. In 2015, the number was reduced to 438,000. While that is still a staggering number, an over 50% increase in life is worth celebrating! Thanks to the efforts of The United Methodist Church and our partners, we are on our way to beating malaria for good.