Preventing Five-Year-Olds From Dying Every Minute on World Malaria Day: Tips for Parents

Goodbye Malaria, a leading organization in the fight against malaria, is calling for a united effort to tackle the $3.7 billion funding shortfall needed to end malaria in southern Africa by 2030. Despite significant progress in curbing the disease, malaria still claims the life of a child every 60 seconds in Africa.

The cost of malaria in Africa is staggering, amounting to around $12 billion annually. In regions where infections are prevalent, up to 60% of school children suffer from impaired learning abilities. South Africa alone reported over 7,800 malaria cases last year, with the potential for outbreaks to put millions at risk in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.

To combat this deadly disease, Goodbye Malaria emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts between South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique. The organization has been at the forefront of malaria elimination campaigns in the region, utilizing innovative strategies such as mobile testing units and indoor residual spray (IRS) to keep communities malaria-free.

Sherwin Charles, CEO of Goodbye Malaria, stresses the need for sustained efforts to halt local transmission and ultimately declare areas malaria-free. He highlights the devastating impact of malaria on children and the importance of prevention tools such as insecticide-treated nets, medication, and IRS.

Goodbye Malaria’s partnerships with organizations like Nando’s, Vodacom, and Vitality Health International demonstrate the power of collaboration in the fight against malaria. By investing in prevention and elimination strategies, Charles believes that not only can lives be saved, but human potential can be unlocked, leading to healthier and more prosperous societies. The call is clear – key players must come together to end malaria and ensure a brighter future for all.