THE UNRECOGNIZED HEROES: The Influence of Traditional Healers in Malaria Prevention. In the fight against malaria, traditional healers are often the unsung heroes, working quietly within communities to prevent and treat this deadly disease. While modern medicine has made significant strides in malaria prevention and treatment, traditional healers continue to play a vital role, especially in regions where access to healthcare services is limited. Their influence extends beyond the territory of herbal remedies; it encompasses cultural practices, community engagement, and local knowledge that have been passed down through generations. The intimate knowledge of local environments and mosquito breeding sites possessed by traditional healers can be leveraged to implement targeted interventions tailored to each community's specific needs. Empowering traditional healers as educators and advocates for malaria prevention can help public health initiatives reach a wider audience and achieve greater impact. However, it's essential to strike a balance between respecting cultural traditions and ensuring the safety and efficacy of treatments. Traditional healers are valuable allies in the fight against malaria, providing unique insights and resources that complement modern healthcare approaches. Ministry of Health - Uganda #malariaprevention #malaria
Michael Odong, MPH, MA’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
Regional Director of Training and Education for AGYW-Malawi | Public Health Specialist | Medical Doctor (M.D) | Project Management (MSc)
World Mosquito Day serves as a significant reminder of the global fight against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. This year’s theme, "Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World," highlights the urgent need to address disparities in healthcare access that contribute to the ongoing malaria burden. The statistics underscore the challenge: according to the WHO, malaria cases rose to 247 million in 2023, while the number of deaths, though slightly reduced, remains alarmingly high at 619,000. In Zambia, the situation is particularly concerning, with a reported 19% increase in malaria deaths—from 1,343 to 1,602. This translates to approximately 30,400 new infections daily, resulting in four deaths each day. The theme emphasizes the need to bridge gaps in access to malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly in underserved communities. As the world continues its efforts to eliminate malaria, the focus must be on ensuring that no one is left behind, with equitable access to healthcare as a central goal. #malaria #health #prevention #ministryofhealth #medicine
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Today marks Malaria Day, a time to raise awareness about this deadly disease that continues to impact millions worldwide. As we reflect on the progress made in the fight against malaria, let's also acknowledge the challenges that still lie ahead. Malaria remains a significant threat to global health, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare and preventive measures. Yet, through concerted efforts in research, prevention, and treatment, we have made strides in reducing its prevalence and saving lives. This Malaria Day, let's renew our commitment to combating this disease. Whether it's supporting initiatives for mosquito control, promoting the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, or advocating for access to effective treatment, each of us can play a part in the fight against malaria. Let's spread awareness, educate others, and work together to create a world where no one has to suffer from malaria. Together, we can make a difference. #MalariaDay2024 #EndMalaria #HealthForAll #MalariaAwareness #MosquitoNetCampaign #GlobalHealth.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
🦟Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are one of the most effective tools for preventing malaria transmission, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. These nets are designed to physically block mosquitoes from biting while also killing them upon contact with the insecticide. 🦟When using an ITN for the first time, it's important to air it out properly. This allows any residual insecticide odor to dissipate and ensures that it's safe to sleep under. Hanging the net in a shaded area for at least 48 hours before use is recommended. During this time, the net can be exposed to fresh air and sunlight, which helps to break down any remaining chemicals and reduce the risk of skin irritation. 🦟Proper usage of ITNs not only protects individuals from malaria but also contributes to community-wide efforts to control the spread of the disease. Consistent and widespread use of ITNs has been shown to significantly reduce malaria transmission rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children. 🦟In addition to using ITNs, other malaria prevention measures include indoor residual spraying (IRS) of insecticides, prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases, and community education on mosquito control practices. By incorporating these strategies into public health programs and promoting their adoption at the individual level, we can work towards the goal of malaria elimination and ensure healthier communities for all. It’s an #everydaything #stayinformed #healthpromotion #MalariaPrevention Ghana Health Service Ghana Health Service - Health Promotion Division FHI 360 UNICEF Ghana USAID - US Agency for International Development Credit:GoodLife Live it Well
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Do you face challenges while ensuring equitable access to malaria prevention measures and effective treatment options for at-risk populations? Malaria continues to pose a significant threat to public health. Despite substantial progress in recent years, the WHO estimates that there were over 249 million cases in 2022, exceeding estimates made before COVID-19. Climate change has indirect effects on malaria and millions of people can't access services they need to prevent, detect and treat the disease. Changing rainfall and temperature patterns can impact the behaviour and survival of the malaria-carrying anopheles mosquito and extreme weather events may lead to transmission and burden of disease. Conflict and humanitarian crises, resource constraints and biological challenges such as drug and insecticide resistance also continue to hamper progress. It is our job as HCPs to ensure equitable access to malaria prevention measures and effectively manage at-risk populations to avoid deaths due to such preventable diseases. Share your challenges on MedShr and voice your opinion as a part of a growing global community to collectively tackle the growing challenge in managing malaria. Sign up for free on MedShr using your professional email address and workplace ID to access a secure, healthcare professional-exclusive environment. medshr.it/malaria #WorldMalariaDay #EndMalaria
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
It's World Malaria Day 2024! "Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World." Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of malaria cases and deaths occur. However, progress has been made in reducing the global burden of malaria over the past decade, with notable declines in malaria cases and deaths in many endemic countries. This day calls for the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat malaria and address existing disparities in access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. It highlights the importance of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location, have equal access to effective malaria interventions. By working together and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations, we can build a more equitable world where malaria no longer poses a threat to public health. #worldmalariaday #worldmalariaday2024 #zeromalaria #fightagainstmalaria #endmalaria
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
In2Care joins World Malaria Day 2024 Our mission is to accelerate the fight against malaria by adding EaveTubes as a new vector control solution tailored for vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. We implemented over 70,000 EaveTubes in three large clinical trials in high-burden areas where IRS and bednets are failing, to demonstrate that we can overcome barriers of mosquito insecticide resistance and achieve significant reductions in malaria cases. EaveTubes' long-lasting community-level protection ensures sustained defense against malaria transmission for all, and will increase health equity for populations at risk of malaria. Click here for more information: https://lnkd.in/e5AkfYSG #Malaria #GenderEquityHumanRights #EndMalaria #ZeroMalariaStartswithMe #WorldMalariaDay2024 #AccelerateTheFight
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
CSO EMEA & Head of DACH for dentsu health . . . . . . . Digital & Healthcare Addictive / Family & Nature / Trend-Architect / Marketing Lover / Advisory Board @ Healthcare Frauen e.v.
🌍🦟 Today, on World Malaria Day, let's join hands to raise awareness and take action against this preventable and treatable disease. Prevention is key: Alongside treatment, preventive measures such as mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying or other preventive remedies, community education, and early diagnosis are essential in the fight against malaria. Especially children in regions with limited access to resources in healthcare are highly effected. Mothers struggle to protect them from the bad disease. At Dentsu Health, we believe in the power of unlimited collaboration and innovation to tackle health challenges like malaria. Our wonderful “Suraksha Ka Teeka campaign”, which was created with the help of lots of different Dentsu brand employees, exemplifies this commitment, leveraging creativity. Outstanding creativity with the integration of a strong and honest cultural context to the campaign, to not just promote malaria prevention, but also live it … Have a look at the excellent campaign: https://lnkd.in/dgpzQzPh Even if it is only a small contribution that we were able to make to the fight against malaria, it is a contribution that had and still has a high impact on the families and children in India. 🦟 On this important day, let's reflect on the progress we've made in the fight against malaria and recommit ourselves to achieving a malaria-free world – and this is still a very long way to go. More information and how you can help: https://lnkd.in/dWa-cS6m #WorldMalariaDay #dentsuhealth #SurakshaKaTeeka #dentsude #unicef
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
On World Malaria Day, we recognize the significant public health challenge posed by malaria, particularly for children under the age of five. During our CCI community health needs assessments in Africa, we have observed malaria infection rates amongst this demographic reaching between 50% and 80% at the time of study. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that within the WHO African Region, 80% of malaria deaths tragically occur in children under five. Our organization is firmly committed to ensuring equitable access to preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services for malaria. We believe everyone deserves the right to timely, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to combat this preventable disease. Preventive measures are crucial in the fight against malaria. These include: - Sleeping under mosquito nets in malaria-endemic areas. - Utilizing mosquito repellents containing DEET, IR-3535, or Icaridin. - Employing mosquito coils or diffusers as deterrents. - Wearing long sleeves and trousers during peak mosquito activity (evenings). We have a number of malaria awareness initiatives taking place across our sites, stay tuned to find out more. #malariaprevention #WorldMalariaDay #WHO #malariaawareness
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to observe World Malaria Day (WMD) in Jigjiga City. The theme for this year was “Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a more equitable world.” Read More: https://lnkd.in/d5wn8gHT Dr. Hiwot Solomon, MOH’s lead executive officer for Disease Prevention and Control, stressed the severe impacts of Malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. She pointed out that 75% of Ethiopia’s landmass is prone to Malaria, affecting 69% of the population in those areas. She stressed that malaria cases have risen over the past three years, necessitating urgent action. #mededgemea #Ethiopia #malariaprevention #publichealth #globalhealth #malariaawareness #WHO #diseaseprevention #CommunityHealth #healthequity #EndMalaria #mosquitocontrol #HealthCampaign #WorldMalariaDay
To view or add a comment, sign in
More from this author
-
THE BIG ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM FOR MALARIA PREVENTION IS NOLONGER LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
Michael Odong, MPH, MA 7mo -
SHOULD I USE IT FOR FISHING, PROTECTING CROPS OR PREVENTING MALARIA ?
Michael Odong, MPH, MA 8mo -
DISRUPTING THE BITES AND STAYING FREE FROM MALARIA IS OUR INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Michael Odong, MPH, MA 8mo