RCSPS President Drew The Line Against Malaria

World Malaria Day, marked each year on the 25th day of April, is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control

Last April 23, Transforming President (TP) Guia Lopez de Leon of the Rotary Club of San Pedro South (RCSPS) had personally pledged her support to act as champions for the fight against malaria thru “Bug Off Malaria.” Aside from donating a certain amount, it was a project that aims to raise community safety and awareness.

This year, TP Guia is still committed to make this fight against malaria a priority in the community, in the Philippines, across Africa, and around the world.

Accordingly, since Year 2000, the world has made historic progress against malaria, saving millions of lives. However, half of the world still lives at risk from this preventable, treatable disease, which costs a child’s life every two minutes.

The theme for World Malaria Day 2021 is “Zero Malaria – Draw the Line Against Malaria.” Joining this youth-focused campaign, TP Guia created her “own line,” and then posted it in various social media platforms like Youtube, Twitter and Facebook.

KEY FACTS:
* Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
* The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 405,000 in 2018. And there were an estimated 228 million cases of malaria worldwide.
* Children aged under 5 years are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria.
* The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share (93-94%) of the global malaria burden.
* Vector control is the main way to prevent and reduce malaria transmission
* Two forms of vector control – insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying – are effective in a wide range of circumstances.

Through dissemination of right information about malaria, a local Rotary Club like RCSPS can serve as a catalyst in the prevention with activism among our colleagues, constituents, and community.