Malaria News South Africa

Help fight misery of malaria

In 2013, 90% of all malaria deaths occurred in Africa, mostly among children under the age of 5, with a child dying every minute from the disease according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Help fight misery of malaria
© Henrik Larsson - Fotolia.com

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa has recorded a rise in malaria-related deaths where the disease is prevalent in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the northeastern part of KwaZulu-Natal.

World Malaria Day is held every year on 25 April and this year's motto is, 'Invest in the Future, Defeat Malaria', which aims to provide education and understanding of malaria, a global scourge that is both preventable and curable. Malaria is particularly damaging to pregnant women and can result in maternal anaemia and in low birth weight.

David Hyams, President of the South African Society of Travel Medicine (SASTM), believes that Vital Protection is one of the most effective products around in the fight against Malaria.

"Vital Protection when used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions can be recommended as an effective insect repellent to be used on fabrics, the efficacy of which has been established against the malaria vector, the Anopheles mosquito," he says.

In malaria-infested countries where mosquitoes are prevalent the best way to safeguard you and your loved ones is by using insect repellents' in conjunction with anti-malaria medication. According to Keely Bawer, Marketing Director at HHL Technology, Vital Protection treated mosquito nets has proven to reduce malaria illness by 50% in areas of high transmission.

"This two-fold prevention method is the best possible option as there has been a minor outbreak of a drug resistant malaria parasite spreading through South East Asia and many believing it will soon make its way to Africa," he says

Vital Protection from HHL Technology is a long action insect repellent, which is odourless, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and non-irritant, and is a 'vital' step in preventing malaria contamination. It has been independently proven to reduce insect bites by 90% and is SABS tested and approved for use by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It is ideal for use on outdoor fabrics, linen, clothing, shoes, sportswear and outdoor equipment (e.g. tents and sleeping bags) that will be used on adventure travels and camping.

For more information, go to www.vitalprotection.co.za

Let's do Biz