PREVENTING DISEASE

"We only have a short amount of time to be on this earth and we might as well do something that matters." —Melinda Moree, 2007

The global aid community invests millions of dollars to combat malaria, yet more than a million people die of the disease every year. Along with drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite, obstacles include the lack of long-term commitment and the struggle to identify effective vaccines.

Much can be done to help control the disease. Preventive measures include draining mosquito breeding grounds and distributing bed nets to protect people while they sleep. Integrating these methods with the other available tools and committing to a sustained effort will greatly improve the situation.

Measuring levels of red blood cells in Manhiça's parasitology laboratory, Mozambique, 2007
Courtesy Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM)/Pau Fabregat

The malaria parasite changes over the course of several life stages in the human host and can confuse, hide from, and misdirect the human immune system. Scientists are studying these stages of the parasite as part of efforts around the world to develop effective vaccines against the disease.

Ilna Josina village, a rural community participating in a malaria vaccine trial, Manhiça, Mozambique, 2007
Courtesy Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM)/Pau Fabregat

The Centro de Investigação em Saude de Manhiça (the Manhiça Health Research Center) in southern Mozambique has been testing a possible vaccine for malaria. Malaria is present in all areas of the country, and more than half of children's hospital admissions are due to severe bouts of the disease.

The Lifecycle of Malaria Parasites

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