Who Malaria

Even in the 21st Century, the world continues to be plagued by a disease that man suffered for hundreds of centuries.  Malaria has spread globally and is the primary health concern for more than one-thirds of the population in the world.

It is common knowledge that Malaria causes fever, vomiting and headaches.  It is caused by a parasite that is transmitted through a bite of an infected mosquito. The Plasmodium parasite multiplies in the liver and infects the red blood cells in the human body.

WHO Malaria Initiative

The World Health Organization has taken up the huge responsibility of controlling and eventually eradicating this outwardly innocent but dreaded and dangerous disease.  Towards this end, useful WHO malaria guidelines have also been developed.

Today, WHO malaria eradication program, the “Roll Back Malaria program” aims at reducing the mosquito population to ensure the parasite cannot spread.

According to WHO malaria guidelines, symptoms do not develop until after 10-15 days from the time of a mosquito bite. WHO malaria guidelines say that the infection needs to be treated as early as possible, as it can reduce the blood supply to vital organs and possibly be life threatening in its severe form.

WHO malaria research shows that these parasites have now developed resistance to many malaria medicines.  Keeping this in mind, the World Health Organization revises the WHO malaria guidelines from time to time, for the control and treatment of Malaria.

Diagnosis

WHO malaria guidelines suggest that early diagnosis and treatment of malaria is essential to prevent death as well as to reduce its transmission.  WHO malaria detection practices include using parasites to confirm malaria, before giving any form of treatment.  This diagnosis is advantageous as the results are back within a few minutes; ensuring that treatment is started soon.

WHO malaria guidelines suggest that treatments based solely on symptoms should only be considered when there is no possibility of parasitological diagnosis.

Treatment

Previously, parenteral chloroquine was given to severe malaria patients, but now WHO malaria treatment guidelines do not advice the use of this medicine because of the high level of resistance.  Another medicine that WHO malaria tips no longer suggests is the use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine given intramuscularly.

For severe forms of malaria, WHO malaria guidelines suggest that parenteral/rectal antimalarial treatment is given in full doses.  The arteminisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is considered to be the best possible treatment.

By following the WHO malaria guidelines and suggestions, it is possible to make huge strides towards eliminating malaria, making every life count.