Introduction:
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted into the human body via the bites of infected mosquitoes, and then infect red blood cells and destroy them.
If not treated, Malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.
The world celebrates the World Malaria Day on April 25th of each year in recognition of efforts exerted on the global arena to combat Malaria.
Epidemiological Status of Malaria:
Internationally:
As per the latest report issued on Malaria in December 9th, 2015, the disease is spread in 97 countries around the world and there are 214 million cases, 438 000 deaths caused by malaria, 3.2 billion persons (half the world population) are threatened with the disease, and that the rates of malaria deaths declined by 48% over the period from 2000 – 2015.
Locally:
In 2015, some 2620 cases of malaria were recorded, of which 2537 are for foreigners (96.8% of the total recorded cases) and 83 local cases (3.2% of the total recorded cases) and an incident rate of 0.48 per 100,000 of population at risk, and there are no death cases, thanks to Allah.
Internationally approved date: April 25th, 2016
Locally approved date: Rajab 18th, 1437H
Approved theme of 2016: End Malaria for Good
Targeted group:
- Malaria patients.
- Patients' families and contacts.
- Health decision-makers.
- Medical staff, health associations and societies.
- The public.
Awareness messages:
- If you feel fever, while visiting southern regions of the Kingdom, immediately go to the health unit to have appropriate diagnosis and treatment at an earlier time.
- When travelling to regions and countries infected with malaria you must adhere to preventive treatment of malaria as per the instructions before your departure, in order to contribute to reducing your possibility of getting the disease.
The Saudi Malaria combating strategy focuses on the following topics:
1. Quick diagnosis and treatment of cases and follow-up of them.
2. Over all fight against the transmission mosquito.
- Focal spraying to combat larvae in breeding sites in the Kingdom, especially in infection transmission places, and places of high epidemiology.
- Spraying houses with long-lasting insecticide in places of high epidemiology.
- Indoor residual spraying, using tiny aerosol sprays inside and outside rooms as a quick way to reduce density of mosquitos in places of increased cases of malaria.
- Using mechanical techniques for combating malaria in the breeding sites of mosquitos.
- Distributing mosquito-nets sprayed with insecticide on vulnerable persons.
- Intensifying health awareness programs.
3. Preventing epidemics and early containment, if happened.
4. Health awareness and involvement of community in combating process.
5. Holding refreshing training courses for malaria combating specialists.
MOH Statistics Book 2015
For more information: Contact malaria management 011 291 7743 or
011 4738275
For more details about malaria