Yes, I realize that it’s actually Thursday & that World Malaria Day was last week, but this disease is so very serious it should be highlighted often.  (A note from Virginia: my blogging schedule last week was upside-downed by health challenges – my Papa has been sick & then several kidney stones in residence chez Virginia decided to party on their way out FOR THREE WHOLE DAYS.  Painiful eviction parties : (

So, back where we left off:  MALARIA.

Malaria can be prevented with ITNs (insecticide treated nets) used at night when the mosquitoes that cause malaria come out searching for meals (our human blood.) Educating families & communities in the use of bed nets is critically important.

It’s also critically important to educate communities about the symptoms of malaria so children will make it to the clinic for diagnosis & treatment before it’s too late (so many children die because they don’t make it there in time.)  This skit demonstrates the symptoms & consequences for not seeking treatment: the death of a child.

Blood screening is an important part of malaria diagnosis along with having the right equipment & trained technicians, like this qualified young lady in Kagera.

Educating communities it’s advantageous to use local performance groups who communicate in the local language & understand the cultural context, like this troupe in Singida demonstrating how to treat a net.

Using local dancing (it seems everywhere you go in Africa, folks like to dance!)  Sometimes the performance groups galvanize visiting dignitaries into the action (like Beatrice Minja, the Executive Director of the Tanzanian National Malaria Movement, who is pictured here.)

At the end of the day, it’s all about healthy moms & healthy children…

(this is one of my favorite photos taken in TZ – note the Kitenge label:  ‘made in Tanzania’ so appropriate for this happy mom in Morogoro.  : )

grace, peace & Wednesday Photographs

    Virginia