FOOD 2050

Everyone has heard of Malaria, a disease that is estimated to claim between one and three million lives every year. Young children account for 90% of the deaths, the majority of victims are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Malaria is caused by a tiny single-celled parasite called Plasmodium which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Malaria is not necessarily deadly in every case of infection, but if not treated the disease can quickly become life threatening. There are a number of Malaria medicines available, although in some parts of the world parasites have developed resistance to them (this has been attributed to misuse of malaria drugs), and for the parts of the world most effected by malaria, drugs for treatment are not readily available, or just too expensive.
 

Prevention better than cure

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) one of the main objectives of malaria control is to significantly reduce the rate and number of cases of both parasite infection and clinical malaria. This is achieved by controlling the malaria-bearing mosquito – basically preventing contact between infected mosquitoes and human beings.

The indoor spraying of insecticide is reported by the WHO to be the most effective means of rapidly reducing mosquito density. A practice known as ‘indoor residual spraying’ can protect a living space for three to six months. The WHO claims that the highly controversial DDT offers a longer term solution, offering up to 12 months of protection – although it’s ongoing effectiveness has been called into question.

Another favoured preventative measure is the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (mosquito nets). Fine-mesh nets treated with insecticide offer personal or group protection and typically remain effective for three – five years.
 

A closer look at the pesticides

Yes, pesticides – because an insecticide is a type of pesticide. Let’s take a look at those most commonly used in mosquito prevention – permethrin and deltamethrin.

Permethrin is a synthetic chemical and commonly used as both insecticide and insect repellent. It’s effective because it functions as a neurotoxin (it does unpleasant things to insect nerve cells). Permethrin is a favourable deterrent to insects because it is not known to rapidly harm most mammals or birds, and is poorly absorbed by the skin. On the down-side, it is toxic to cats.  Permethrin is an effective agent in the battle against malaria, albeit one perhaps better suited to dog-lovers.

Deltamethrin is also a neurotoxin, and while it is used for insecticidal nets, it is also a widely used household insecticide for dealing with pests including bedbugs, cockroaches, ticks and fleas. Deltamethrin of one of the safest groups of pesticides, with mammalian exposure considered to be safe.

Pesticides save lives

Pesticides save lives, something you won’t read every day, but fact non-the-less. The Red Cross reports growing scientific evidence to demonstrate that combining mosquito net distribution with follow-on support and training at household level increases net usage rates and significantly reduces incidence of malaria.

It’s World Malaria Day on the 25th of April, which means I’m a little early with this post (hey, it’s the weekend… I’ve got plans) but in perfect time to share a few links if you feel like learning more about malaria, World Malaria Day, and how you can help efforts to eradicate a disease that takes a life every 30 seconds.

For your consideration

> World Malaria Day 2010 (coordinating body official site) follow @malariaday2010 on twitter

> World Health Organisation (WHO) hub for malaria

> International Medical Corps (NGO) fact sheet on malaria

> Malaria No More (NGO) follow @MalariaNoMore on twitter

> Office of the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Malaria follow @Malaria_Envoy on twitter

This list is not exhaustive, so please feel free to drop links and info in the comments section below.