QUESTION how can malaria affect our society? ANSWER There are many ways in which malaria can potentially affect our society, and particularly people living in highly endemic areas for transmission. Most obviously, malaria has a huge burden on health services, as sick people require diagnosis, treatment and sometimes hospital care. These days of illness prevent people from going to work … [Read more...]
Malaria and Economics
QUESTION: Why is malaria the most important cause of economic distress? ANSWER: While malaria is clearly a huge burden on many aspects of society, including economies, in many parts of the world, I'm not sure it's fair to say that it's the leading cause of economic distress. However, it certainly contributes to slow economic progress, through mechanisms related to the "poverty trap" … [Read more...]
Malaria Control in Developing Countries
QUESTION: Should malaria be controlled in third world countries? ANSWER: Absolutely! Malaria is a leading cause of preventable death in many developing countries, with young children (under the age of five) at particular risk. Moreover, malaria is linked to loss of productivity, absenteeism from work/school and may even be linked to continuing cycles of poverty in areas where malaria (and … [Read more...]