ABSTRACTMalaria is the most prevalent disease in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that is spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease is a major health problem in tropic and sub tropical countries and the CDC estimates 300 -500 million new cases of malaria each year which results in the death of more than 1 million people. The most vulnerable to malaria infection include children less than five years of age, pregnant women and individuals with little resistance to malaria. Our study in this area is centered on the challenges involved in the prevention and cure of this disease as well as the opportunities now available in combating the spread of the malaria disease.

INTRODUCTIONMalaria is most prevalent in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. The disease is a major health problem in tropics and sub tropics. CDC estimates 300 -500 cases of malaria each year and results in the death of more than 1 million people. This is hazardous for people living in warm climates where stagnant water creates suitable environment for the growth and development of mosquito. Transmission starts from the bite of infected female mosquito. Plasmodium infection comes in four forms: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. Plasmodium causes destruction to the red blood cells leading to effects of malaria such as chills, fever jaundice and anemia amongst others. Other ways in which malaria can be transmitted includes blood borne, congenital and cryptic methods.

MALARIA IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE ELUSIVE SILENT KILLERMariamawit Yilma,Naomi Adjei and John N. Gitua (Mentor)

Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and ScienceDrake University

MALARIA ENDEMIC COUNTRIES

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PREVENTIONPeople living in areas where malaria is most prevalent can prevent the disease by clearing out stagnant water. Wearing protective clothing over the arm and legs, using screens on windows and insect repellant like insecticides also aid in decrease of mosquito bites and prevention of malaria. In addition nutrition plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system. A balanced diet rich in Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Zinc and Iron reduces the weakening of the immune system and intensifies resistance against any opportunistic diseases.

MALARIA LIFE CYCLE

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TREATMENTMalaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can be treated effectively if medical intervention is made early. Chloroquine is the most frequently used anti-malarial medication. Quinidine or quinine, doxycycline, tetracycline or Clindamycein or atovaquone, Proguanil (Malarone) or Mefloquine or atresunate or combination of Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine are given for Chloriquine –resistant infections. Intravenous fluids (IV) and respiratory and other medications are given in extreme cases. The recently discovered ACT Therapy (Anti–malarial drugs in Artemisinin combination Therapies) is most effective way of treating malaria.

DISCUSSIONIt has been difficult to eradicate malaria in Africa due to wars, over population in many areas and rapid movements of citizens and incoming refugees. DDT was successful in eradication of mosquito but its toxic effect on humans led to its ban. Chloroquine use was ineffective due to resistant by the parasites. New forms of treatment such as ACT (Artemisinin-derived medication) have been developed where a combination of drugs are used to cure malaria. In addition, antimalarial vaccines are in development stages. However, the major problem in developing countries is the poverty in addition to poor health infrastructure. As a result most people have relied on traditional drugs usually made form herbs. Some problems involved in failure of malaria treatments are misdiagnosis, incomplete drug dosage, poor social economic conditions, inadequate health care and many others. People with sickle cell anemia and people living in high malaria transmission areas have immunity against the malaria disease.

FUTURE OF MALARIAEradication of Malaria requires special attention from the society. Awareness about the cause, transmission and prevention of the disease should be done by employing general education and improvement of health care infrastructures should be given highest priority so as to reduce the escalating malaria infection and death rates.

REFERENCEShttp://www.unicef.org/evaldatabase/files/ZAM_00-001.pdfhttp://www.cdc.gov/malaria/

CHALLENGESThe prevalence of malaria had not been eradicated in the past years due to numerous challenges that catalyzed its contagion. The major rationale includes lack of proper health care infrastructures and qualified health care professionals. Temperate areas have high infection rates due to warm temperature that facilitates the breeding of mosquitoes in stagnant water sites. Malaria has many symptoms similar to other diseases such as flu and TB, as a result, misdiagnosis leads to treatment with wrong medication and this prolongs the parasites elimination. Lack of general public education about the cause, transmission and prevention of the disease also hinders its eradication.