Malaria in Africa: Nothing but Nets and Nets for Life
Two campaigns combating a global pandemic
Amy Salisbury
Issue date: 5/6/08 Section: Features
Malaria spreads through mosquitoes harboring parasites that infect red blood cells and cause them to burst. Most common in tropical regions, malaria kills one person every 30 seconds. Those most vulnerable to the disease are young children, because they have had no time to build up immunity to the four types of parasites that cause malaria. The bed nets provided by Nothing But Nets and NetsforLife cover and prevent three people from mosquito bites at night and come treated with an insecticide that kills any mosquito that comes in contact with it. The nets, referred to as LLITNs (long-lasting insecticide-treated nets), not only lessen the incidence of malaria, but also, in some communities, have lessened the frequency of disease contraction by 90%.
Though LLITNs are easy ways for everyone to combat malaria, a constant question plagues these organizations: Why aren't donations going toward malaria vaccinations? At this time, there is no one vaccination that proves effective in 100% of cases. What's more, one of the four types of parasites, Plasmodium, alters itself rapidly and can become drug-resistant.
Nothing But Nets and NetsforLife are essentially grassroots organizations that strive for constructive assistance in the struggles of developing countries. Nearly 500 million people contract malaria yearly; one million die from it. These two campaigns provide an uncomplicated opportunity to aid Sub-Saharan African countries by donating money that guarantees to make a difference.
Though LLITNs are easy ways for everyone to combat malaria, a constant question plagues these organizations: Why aren't donations going toward malaria vaccinations? At this time, there is no one vaccination that proves effective in 100% of cases. What's more, one of the four types of parasites, Plasmodium, alters itself rapidly and can become drug-resistant.
Nothing But Nets and NetsforLife are essentially grassroots organizations that strive for constructive assistance in the struggles of developing countries. Nearly 500 million people contract malaria yearly; one million die from it. These two campaigns provide an uncomplicated opportunity to aid Sub-Saharan African countries by donating money that guarantees to make a difference.
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