Malaria Infectious Disease Common In Developing Countries (Essay Sample)

Medical Sciences
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Malaria Infectious Disease Common in Developing Countries
Malaria is a common infection in hot tropical areas. It’s a serious illness which can either cause mild or life-threatening illnesses. It is caused by a parasite known as plasmodium which is transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. However, it is preventable and curable since it is caused by external parasites. This infectious disease causes approximately 1 to 2 million deaths annually especially among children. It is common in developing nations especially in African nations because of vast mosquito breeding locations and the climatic conditions (Koning, 2007). Malaria can be categorized as either uncomplicated which only lasts for about 10 hours or severe which sometimes causes organ failure or abnormalities to the patient. Malaria also causes other complications such as renal impairment, anemia, haemoglobinuria, splenic rupture and in some cases death. Malaria causes two major infections namely; non-falciparum malaria and falciparum malaria. These two infections are highly common in developing nations commonly in African countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana among other states within the continent.
Statistics in the Incidence of Malaria.
Researchers and medical experts have noticed that more than half of the earth`s population is at higher risk of contracting malaria. In 2012, there were about 99 nations worldwide that were undergoing malaria transmission and 5 other states placed in the reintroduction phase by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2011, about 3.3 billion people were at risk of contracting malaria with more than half of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, only 10 of the total 99 countries that were in the malaria transmission stage are in the malaria elimination phase (World Bank 2009).
The High Incidence of Malaria in Developing Nations
The high rate of malaria cases in sub-Sahara Africa is primarily because of lack of mosquito nets. Due to the favorable mosquito breeding grounds and climate in Africa, the rate of malaria cases has increased especially in remote regions of the continent. African governments are not investing in malaria prevention initiatives and medications such as anti-malaria tablets. Research shows that 60% of deaths caused by malaria worldwide occurs among the poor people which is approximately 20% of the world`s population (World Health Organization 2008). The high death rate is due to lack of financial support and ineffective medical treatment.
The Impact of Malaria in Developing Nations
Countries with the highest number of malaria victims suffer economic burden because of low human resource in form of manpower. Malaria slows down economic growth which propels further poverty among people, this is particularly common in Africa. It accounts for 40% of the public health expenditure and about 30% of the household income in most African states (Watstein & Jovanovic, 2002). Since it is considered to be an endemic disease, it can negatively affect tourism and international investors for fear of contracting malaria. Children easily contract malaria because of the outside exposure to weather change, unclean water sources and lack of mosquito nets. The rising number of ...