12 November 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is hosting a Malaria Day event which
takes place on Tuesday, 20 November 2007 and will focus on teaching people
about the dangers of malaria and how it can be controlled through research and
dynamic policy. The Honourable MEC for Health, Ms Peggy Nkonyeni will be
addressing the issues around this disease that is killing nations.
Malaria, one of the world's most common and serious tropical diseases,
causes at least one million deaths every year, the majority of which occur in
the most resource-poor countries. More than half of the world's population is
at risk of acquiring malaria, and the proportion increases each year because of
overburdened health systems, drug and insecticide resistance and climate
change.
Overall, Malaria accounts for 10 percent of Africa's disease burden, and it
is estimated that malaria costs the continent more than $12 billion annually.
Young children and pregnant women are at the highest risk of malaria infection
and mortality because during the first two years of life, children have not yet
developed sufficient immune systems, and pregnancy causes women to have reduced
immunity to infections including malaria.
Journalists and reporters are invited to attend the event to mark the
Malaria Day celebrations to take place as follows:
Date: 20 November 2007
Time: 09h00
Venue: Emboza School Grounds, Umkhanyakude District
Those interested to travel with the department are urged to indicate their
interest with Sibonelo Msomi at 083 980 7481 so that necessary arrangements are
made.
Enquiries:
Mr Leon Mbangwa
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 083 459 8695
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
12 November 2007
