April 25 - World Malaria Day
Early Understanding and Scientific Discoveries
Malaria was once believed to be caused by "bad air" (miasma).
In 1880, Alphonse Laveran identified the malaria parasite.
Key figures like Patrick Manson and Ronald Ross uncovered the role of mosquitoes in malaria transmission by 1898.
Impact on European Colonization
Malaria hindered European colonization in Africa, with high mortality rates among soldiers.
Between 1880-1900, understanding malaria led to European powers expanding control over Africa.
Malaria knowledge helped colonizers survive, using methods like draining swamps and using quinine.
Role in the Slave Trade and Racial Economy
Africans with natural malaria resistance were preferred as labor in malaria-prone areas, affecting the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
This contributed to racialized labor systems and the development of racial prejudices.
Malaria Today and Ongoing Challenges
Malaria remains a major health issue, particularly in Africa, where it causes 94% of global cases and deaths.
Modern treatments, including the RTS,S vaccine, and prevention strategies like bed nets and spraying, offer hope, but challenges persist due to environmental factors like deforestation and climate change.
The first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 (also known as Mosquirix), was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021.
Another malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, was also recommended by the WHO in 2023.
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening vector-borne disease caused by the Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat.
Malaria is predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, South America as well as Asia.
The mosquito becomes infected after biting an infected person.
The malaria parasites then enter the bloodstream of the next person the mosquito bites.
The parasites travel to the liver, mature, and then infect red blood cells.
Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.
Notably, malaria is both preventable and curable.
COMMENTS