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Malawi Struggles to Combat Malaria, Infectious Diseases Claiming Majority of Lives

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Quadri Adejumo
New Update
Access to tools such as mosquito nets is helping the fight against malaria <br> Image Credit: TONY KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

Malawi continues to face significant challenges in its fight against malaria, which experts highlight as the leading cause of death from infectious diseases, accounting for 95 percent of such deaths in the country.

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Malawi's Battle Against Malaria Persists

Eric Njoka, the coordinator of Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing that Malawi still has a long way to go in eradicating the disease.

The Trust recently organized a World Malaria Day commemoration in Chikwawa, where Njoka shared his insights. He highlighted that Malawi ranks among the top 20 countries in Africa burdened with a heavy malaria caseload.

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Njoka further explained that the Trust is actively engaged in various malaria research initiatives aimed at informing policy decisions in addressing this challenge. One of the key areas of focus in their research is the development of malaria vaccines, which the government has introduced.

Importance of raising awareness

Kennedy Zembele, a vector biologist from Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, emphasized the importance of raising awareness alongside their research efforts. It is crucial to empower individuals with knowledge to control malaria and other vector-borne diseases effectively.

Community engagement plays a vital role in finding solutions to reduce malaria cases in the country. Local leaders, like Group Village Head Chikutileni, have encouraged community members to collaborate with researchers from the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust.

Although World Malaria Day is traditionally celebrated on April 25, the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust decided to mark the occasion on May 25. This annual event recognizes the progress made in the fight against malaria worldwide and highlights the global efforts aimed at eradicating the disease entirely.

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