Malaria

What is the primary cause of malaria? What are the symptoms? Does repeated infection create partial immunity?

Malaria is caused by the female anopheles mosquito. Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Repeated infections can lead to partial immunity, reducing severity of symptoms.

How many cases of malaria were reported globally in 2021?

Approx. 250 million cases worldwide

What was the death toll due to malaria in 2021?

Approx. 600,000 deaths

Which population groups are most affected by malaria in Ghana?

Malaria is a leading cause of mortality among

• pregnant women

• infants

• children under 5

• HIV/AIDS patients in Ghana.

What significant health challenge did malaria present in the 19th century?

Malaria was a serious health concern for colonial trade and imperialism. Cases spread through transportation of goods and war to other countries

What discovery in the 19th century contributed to combating malaria?

The isolation of quinine in 1820 contributed to combating malaria. Discovery of parasite causing malaria by Sir Ronald Ross in 1897 also played a crucial role.

What was the role of the London School of Tropical Medicine in malaria research?

Established in 1899, it aimed to understand malaria and became the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1924.

What public health measures were used in the Global North to eradicate malaria?

Measures included draining swamps, spraying insecticides, and using DDT.

What were the characteristics of the 19th-century theories of disease?

19th-century theories were characterized by miasmatic and contagionist ideas. Miasmatic is the belief that diseases were caused by bad air or noxious vapors, while contagionist theories emphasized transmission through direct contact or infected individuals.

What factors have contributed to the resurgence of malaria in the 21st century?

Factors include macroeconomic policies, climate change, urbanization, mass deforestation, and funding disparities.

What was the goal of the Alma-Ata declaration of 1978?

It focused on enhancing primary health care centers against diseases like malaria.

What innovative vaccine was mentioned as a glimpse of hope for the future of malaria treatment?

The development of the R21/Matrix-MTM Vaccine.

How do gender and funding disparities affect malaria control and why?

Gender disparities and funding disparities hinder effective malaria control efforts. Gender disparities can lead to unequal access to prevention and treatment, while inadequate funding limits resources for effective programs.

What was the number of malaria deaths in 2022 compared to 2019?

In 2022, there were 608,000 malaria deaths, an increase compared to 576,000 in 2019.

What is one public health initiative suggested for a malaria-free future?

Sanitation is suggested as a way forward for malaria prevention.

Where was malaria eradicated from by the mid 20th century?

The global north- specifically in parts of Europe and North America.

How was malaria eradicated in the global south?

• House to house inspection (larvae in house)

• Bush clearing

• Destruction of breeding places- stagnant water

• Segregation in hospitals

• Increase in drug access

• Public health campaigns against malaria