While malaria is rare in the United States with roughly 2,000 confirmed cases reported annually, such is not the case in sub-Saharan Africa where in 2023 there were 246 million cases and 569,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Friday, April 25, is World Malaria Day (WMD) was established in May 2007 to recognize global efforts to control malaria with this year’s theme being “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” a grassroots campaign that aims to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.
UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, reported in November 2024 this sobering and tragic statistic:
Nearly every minute, somewhere around the world a child under 5 years old dies of malaria.
This translates into a daily toll of more than 1,000 children under age 5.
“Malaria is an urgent public health priority,” states UNICEF.
WHO reported in December 2024 that globally there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 malaria deaths in 83 countries, and notes that:
- The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden.
- In 2023, the WHO African Region was home to 94 percent of malaria cases (246 million) and 95 percent (569,000) of malaria deaths.
- Children under 5 accounted for about 76 percent of all malaria deaths in the region.
WHO also noted that in the African region, the current mortality rate of 52.4 deaths per 100,000 population is still more than double the target of 23 deaths per 100,000 population.
Currently, 11 African nations report 70 percent of the world’s malaria cases including countries where Bread and Water for Africa® works – Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.
In addition, the National Library of Medicine (NLS) states definitively that “the African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world.
“Climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and drug resistance are the reasons for the sustained outbreak of malaria in Africa, and they are also the huge challenges faced by Africans in combating malaria.”
The NLS notes that since 2000, progress has been made as the mortality rate of malaria has fallen by 60 percent in the WHO African region, but adds: “However, about 300,000 African children still die from malaria every year, and much remains to be done to control the malaria epidemic in Africa.”
And, as we at Bread and Water for Africa® are well aware, “Today, nearly half of the world’s population, most of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa, are at risk for development malaria and facing its economic challenges.”
For decades, we have been providing medicines, medical supplies and equipment to our healthcare partners in sub-Saharan African countries including Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone, to treat all types of various diseases and illnesses – the vast majority like malaria, preventable and treatable.
Specifically, in 2022, we began working with our new partner, Watoto Wa Africa (WWA) in Tanzania which operates an orphanage for roughly 100 orphaned and abandoned children and youth to improve the living conditions in the dormitories through the procurement of new mattresses and bed linens, repairs to existing bed frames and the purchase of new additional beds.
In addition, upon the request of WWA director Josephat Kirutu, thanks to our supporters we were able to provide mosquito nets for all the beds to help ensure that every child and youth calling the orphanage home were protected from potentially contacting malaria while sleeping at night.
And we are pleased and proud to report that recently we heard from Joseph Kobba, program director of our partner, Rural Youth Development Organization – Sierra Leone (RYDO-SL) about Brima, a 6-month-old boy whose life was likely saved through the provision antimalarial drugs provided by Bread and Water for Africa®.
The boy’s mother, Isata, lives with her husband and their two children in the village of Mofoe, located about three miles from the Kaniya Health Center, where she regularly takes her children for medical check-ups, Joseph told us.
“One day in November 2024, Brima began showing signs of weakness, a high fever and a significant loss of appetite (all symptoms of malaria),” Joseph reported.
“As his symptoms worsened, Isata grew increasingly concerned about his health.
“She took him to the health center where Nurse Princess Mansaray diagnosed him with both malaria and an infection.”
Understanding the seriousness of Brima’s condition, Nurse Princess immediately began treatment and on the infant who was prescribed Doxycycline to be taken over seven days.
Upon completing his medication course, Isata returned to the health center for a follow-up consultation.
“She informed Nurse Princess that Brima’s health had greatly improved; his temperature had stabilized, and the frequent fevers he had been experiencing had diminished.”
And the best news of all – “Brima could now play with other children in the village, and his appetite had returned to normal.”
Isata also shared that with her son’s health improving, she could now focus more on vegetable farming, which provided a steady income to support her family. This income allowed her to feed and clothe her children and pay their school fees and Brima’s medical expenses.
And as for Isata herself,
“I am pleased with the treatment and the support we have received.
“Thanks to God Almighty, the nurses at the Kaniya Health Center, RYDO-SL, Bread and Water for Africa®, and their partner MAP International.
“My son is doing much better now, and I can continue caring for my family. I am truly grateful for the help.”
And in Malawi, a mobile clinic operation supported by Bread and Water for Africa®, provides treatment for malaria along with information about its prevention the medical outreach program is “whole-health focused and encompasses a diverse range of medical activities designed to reach marginalized communities and address healthcare needs.”
