Malaria and Climate Change

 A recent study shows that the warming planet may increase the rate of malaria in Africa. In areas that are warming malaria has begun to climb to higher altitudes that are warmer as a result of the warming climate. This is threatening populations that once lived in malaria free locations and now have become a place where mosquitoes carrying a plasmodium can now survive.
   It is continually surprising to me how much climate can affect life all across the planet. A change in a few degrees can open a gateway for morbid disease. The populations of people that will be exposed to malaria have no history of resistance and will be especially vulnerable. The article predicts that a change in 1 degree Celsius will increase the amount of children affected each year by three million. The ways that a changing climate can destroy our earth and the people in it are limitless and we can make a difference.

Blog #5: Doctor's Say 'Keep Focus' on Fighting Malaria in Africa

Summary: Malaria has been a very vast spreading and overwhelming issue in many parts of the African continent. There are still 184 million people in Africa living with this disease and fighting it's symptoms. Doctors' say that there is still so much to be done with this disease, especially in the high risk areas. It's the malaria parasite that is harnessed in young children that is spreading this lethal disease around, which leaves children most at risk before their immunity to the parasite builds up. Not all children will end up with malaria, but it gives a good depiction of how vast the disease is and how easily it can infect a village. To make the case even worse, drugs and insecticide used to prevent the disease from spreading has now gained resistance. Putting doctors at the edge of their seats to find more ways to cure the Malaria disease. We need to remember the malaria situation! Keep taking new strides, always pressing forward, and not taking our foot off the gas.

Analysis: This disease has been known to the public for years and it is something people are beginning to lose interest in. People all over the world are still dying from this terrible disease that has destroying hundreds of lives and villages. According to BBC News, 627,000 people die from malaria each year. It's those kind of numbers that make you question what kind of living produces such a terrible disease. Infiltrated water, not washing your hands before a meal, eating unwashed foods or foods infected by insects. The list of issues is endless and it makes the reality of the situation that much harder to wrap your head around. Don't get me wrong there have been several strides and effort put towards curing and helping the people most effected by the disease. Organizations have donated material and relief efforts have been astounding. However, the disease is changing and gaining resistance, it's time for new action to take place. Solutions like insecticide treated nets and chemo prevention still help, but can only be of use for so long. It's time for our world to wake up and help the devastated countries affected by this disease. Let's put a stop to the devastation and start the innovation of new and more efficient ways to end this disease for good!

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26257876