Malaria is a common phenomenon in
Africa, that has claimed millions of lives, According to World Health
Organization (WHO), “every 45 seconds a child dies of Malaria in Africa”, in
pregnancy both mother and child are at the risk of malaria, this poses a challenge
to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals of reduction child of
mortality rate and improved maternal health by 2015.
The transmission of malaria is
greatly influenced by climate conditions favorable to mosquitoes because warmer
climate condition creates an avenue for mosquitoes to thrive and multiply. In
the past wealthy aristocrats would go on the hill side during summer to stay
away from diseases caused by warmer climate conditions.
A very good drainage system (which
most developing countries lack) will serve as a means of reducing the
proliferation of mosquitoes as the climate gets warmer. A good drainage system
will also enhance free flow of water during heavy rain fall and prevent mosquitoes
from breeding in stagnant water.
The use of insecticide treated mosquito
nets is another way of limiting the effect of malaria on humans. Public health
intervention and good economy can help deter these effects.
African leaders must realize that
there is a lot of work to do in order to fight both malaria and global warming
because trend shows that the least developed countries of the world will
be worst hit by the effects of climate change (Nigeria inclusive).
We must join hands to create a sustainable
environment for the future generation.
Follow on twitter @greenernaija
Olaleye Taiwo
For:
greenernaija
