The World Health Organization says that the amount of people dying from malaria has been cut in half due to the tremendous global efforts to prevent the disease. Between 2001-2013, 4.3 million deaths were averted; 3.9 million of those saved were children under the age of 5 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa, where 90% of malaria cases occur, has seen the number of people infected decrease by 25%.
Malaria, spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes, has been largely prevented by increasing diagnostic testing and allowing more people to receive medicine. The World Health Organization director, Dr. Margaret Chan, believes the achievements "are the result of improved tools, increased political commitment, the burgeoning of regional initiatives, and a major increase in international and domestic financing."
However, the threat is far from over. WHO fears the Ebola crisis might set back the malaria fight. 3.2 billion people are still at risk of catching malaria. In addition, $5.1 billion is needed to achieve optimal global targets for malaria elimination; currently malaria funding is at about $2.7 billion.
It's optimistic to know that efforts are being made to eliminate diseases infecting the entire global society. The world is working towards a more connected global community, and with that we can share our wealth, medicine, and supplies to help one another. George Washington warned us not to get involved with foreign affairs, but being a part of World Issues is inevitable, especially with today's technology and lines of communication and connectivity. Perhaps if we focused more on our commonalities and helping one another as opposed to our differences and fighting, the world would be a happier place and there would be less conflict/war.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30375202
It is inspiring to see that efforts are being made to solve issues occurring around the world. Because we have had participation in multiple countries that is working towards solving this problem, we have been able to see this success.
ReplyDelete- Vivie Behrens (Period 6)
People worldwide have taken part in shaping and changing what problems we face today. It is a relief to know that there are people out there who can make big steps towards positive success.
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty amazing. To think that one of the most deadly diseases of the 18th and 19th Centuries has been cut down, through pure human effort, to this.
ReplyDeleteWe are constantly troubled by organizations asking for donations to help fight diseases such as malaria but we never hear if our donations make any affect. hearing this is encouraging to know that we can make a difference even if it is progressive.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we can rejoice that Malaria effects are going down, let us not forget the other diseases that people are constantly fighting everyday.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me feel like if everyone was willing we could stop all of the terrible things that are tearing up the world right now and far fewer people would be dying.
ReplyDelete