On World Malaria Day, that falls on April 25, the aim is to reduce the risk of malaria. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. The theme for 2014-15 campaign is : Invest in the future. Defeat malaria.
Kerala is considered as a model state for health status all over India. The health model of the state has been appreciated, studied and analysed in various fields - scientific, economic, philosophical and social. But unfortunately, though the state has got a fairly educated population with good sanitation conditions, it has been afflicted by a variety of infectious diseases in form of epidemics such as Malaria.
There has been a significant increase in waste generation in the last few decades largely due to the rapid population growth and economic development, changing lifestyle and urbanisation. On an average, 6000 tons of solid waste is being generated all across Kerala. Uncollected garbage pile up and stinking waste on the streets is a normal scene today. Apart from the over flowing waste containers there are also heap of “man-made” garbage spots all over the city. The main problem arises when such spots go unattended.
The improper method of waste management processes has led to serious epidemic diseases. The left uncared substances get into water bodies, pollute air, clog sewers, drain and pollute water distribution networks which in turn act as breeding ground for several pathogens. These get littered all around by birds, insects, rodents, and mosquitoes and end up causing epidemic diseases. Piling of garbage creates the perfect environment for disease causing mosquitoes to breed.
One such epidemic caused is malaria. Malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the blood through the bite of a mosquito, causes fever, anemia and can lead to severe complications and even death. The number of malaria cases in Kerala from the Directorate of National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (the authentic government figures) is 1604 in 2013 with no deaths reported and only 163 cases until now in 2014 (again no confirmed deaths by Govt of India). While proper waste management methods have to be ensured, it is crucial for each one of us to follow a few hygiene methods to stay safe this summer. You cannot be vaccinated against malaria, but you can protect yourself with a few precautionary methods:
* Do not allow water to stagnate in and around your house.
* Have proper waste management resource in place. This would help in reducing breeding of mosquitoes.
* Mosquitoes bite at any time of day but most bites occur in the evening. If you are out at night wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers.
* Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spray an insecticide or repellent on them. Insect repellents should also be used on exposed skin.
* Avoid drinking water from outside and without boiling
* Vector borne diseases such as malaria, chikungunya, dengue etc accounts for nearly 17 per cent of the global burden of infectious diseases. About 40 per cent of the global population is at the risk of malaria and the endemic is present in 10 out of 11 countries - India, Bhutan, Korea, Indonesia, Nepal and Sri Lanka to name a few. Although these diseases are deadly, they are preventable. A little sustained effort from our side could make a big difference to the world.
Dr Anup R Warrier,
(Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Aster Medcity)