THE UNDERRATED KILLER

The coronavirus pandemic took the whole world to a standstill. The virus not only took the lives of people but also greatly affected the economy of different nations. What the leaders don't realize is that even though the lives and health of people are affected, it is not only the coronavirus that does so. Other diseases affect and take people's lives, but they are not looked into keenly when a greater disaster appears.

Not only Coronavirus, HIV/AIDS, and other deadly diseases are recognized as major threats to the lives of people worldwide, but also Malaria. This disease caused by a parasite of the genus plasmodium has been a threat for decades, humiliating and taking the lives of innocent people. Malaria is transmitted to an uninfected person through a female mosquito known as anopheles. Even though Malaria is curable and preventable, it has taken a lot of lives worldwide.

In 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) reported that an estimated 241 million people worldwide were victims of malaria, with a total of 627,000 estimated deaths. The WHO report indicated that Africa had an estimated highest number of infections and deaths at 95% and 96% respectively, with the number of under-five mortality taking 80%.

The fight against malaria in Kenya has continued, showing an improvement in reduced infections and death from 11.4% in 2010 to 5.8% in 2020, which represents a 49% reduction in the total population. Under five infections and mortalities caused by Malaria are estimated to be 3.5 million and 10,000 yearly respectively. The great fight against the disease in Kenya is accelerated by yearly government budget allocation to the health sector, aid from the United States President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), and other organizations like United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The government of Kenya has greatly taken part in the fight against malaria, by introducing the Zero Malaria Initiative which focuses on the fight against the deadly disease. This initiative has made sure that at least 600 children take part in the New Malaria Vaccination. According to WHO the New Malaria Vaccine is more than 70% effective and could add approximately 40,000 to 80,000 lives of children who suffer from and die of malaria to the save list every year. This vaccine targets children under the age of 14 in Kenya.

Even though the malaria infection and mortality rate are estimated to have reduced by 50% from 2010 to 2020, pregnant mothers are advised to sleep under medicated mosquito nets and frequently visit certified hospitals to receive doses of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria, to totally end the infection and mortality.

The government is required to allocate more funds to the health sector to fight against malaria, and this can be achieved by building improved laboratories, employing skilled health personnel, and introducing free malaria treatment to all pregnant mothers and children under the age of five. The government should also be in collaboration with different health organizations to help strengthen the fight against this killer disease. The introduction of the Zero Malaria Initiative by former president Uhuru Kenyatta and the adoption of various vaccines is a better path but still more initiatives and vaccines are in demand.

Malaria is a killer disease but with proper medication, it can be prevented and stopped totally.

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