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ROTARIANS AGAINST MALARIA DISTRICTRICT 9640 NEWSLETTER
What’s it all about? Australians old enough to remember World War II may recall an ugly legacy that many returning servicemen brought home with them. Recurrent fever with attendant illness and debilitation, in some cases persisting for a number of years. Malaria wasn’t new to Australia but awareness, prophylaxis and our lifestyle and living standards had relegated it to a relatvely minor status in this country. Our nearest neighbours were not so fortunate. The people of the lowlands of New Guinea have lived with endemic malaria simce time immemorial. At best it is a debilitator at worst, a killer. The very young, expectant mothers and the very old are the most vulnerable. Those who survive develop a kind of tolerance – there is no absolute immunity. Also vulnerable are visitors from non-malarial areas, traditional traders (e.g. from the highlands), and more recently, aid workers and tourists. Workers in Papua New Guinea report that incidence of malaria is gradually creeping up the mountains, encompassing more and more of the country. Rotary can help. Rotarians against malaria was established some twenty years ago with help in mind. Rotarians who had worked on FAIM trips in the South West Pacific, especially Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands were well aware of the problems and were keen to lend a hand. The organisation (RAM) is established in most Australian rotary districts. The contact persons are the District Committee members, PDG Tony Hayes, George Keily (Surfers Sunrise) and Tim Richards (Tweed Coast), and National Co-ordinator PDG Richmond Manyweathers, P.O. Box 198, Carringbah NSW 1495 (Tel/Fax 0295 244 827, or e-mail manys@bigpond.com)
Information and Misinformation
What is the cause of Malaria ? Is it a virus? No! It is caused by an amoeba like organism called Plasmodium. There are a number of different strains, the two that are most commonly accounted are P.vivax and P.faciparum. The former results in recurrent fever and it can cause death. The latter causes brain damage and can result in death within 48 hours. How is Malaria spread? Malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. There are many species of Anopheles world wide, and Australia has some of them. The adult female mosquito feeds on an infected human and ingests his/her blood carrying the malaria organism. The plasmodium multiplies in the mosquito which then bites the next person and passes on the infection. The female mosquito is both a host and a vector. Malaria is a tropical Disease Not entirely true – Malaria is primarily a disease of the tropics, but it is not confined to the tropics. It was at one time common in Southern France, England and even as far North as Scotland. Ancient Rome, surrounded by low swampy ground was malarious until modern times. In the 1930s the draining of the Pontine Marshes alleviated the situation. Rome is as far from the equator as Hobart. One third of the world’s population is at risk of malaria! Malaria is a disease of the indigent poor No! anyone who is bitten by an infective female mosquito will probably succumb to the disease. Throughout history, princes, popes, presidents, peasants and paupers have all suffered from malaria, regardless of ethnic origins or social status, whether rich or poor. Malaria is a seasonal disease This is true to a degree. Infection periods co-incide with the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active. This is more important in temperate areas, and not of great significance in the tropics. Can Malaria be cured? Yes, subject to medical treatment and given time and provided that the patient is not subject to re-infection. Several hundred years ago the Jesuits in Peru discovered that the local Indians were getting a measure of relief from treatment with the bark of the quinine tree. “Jesuitical Bark” was the first treatment. Quinine and derivatives were the staple anti-malarials for many years. However, the organism developed resistance and it has been a constant struggle between man and beast to keep ahead of the disease.
ADOPT A VILLAGE, Stage ll RAM’s very successful initiative must now change in response to international funds being made available to governments for the supply of insecticide treated nets. AAV donations will (for the time being) assist in a range of complementary anti-malarial endeavors – e.g. provision of equipment (rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows etc.) to enable villagers to clean up their areas and eliminate mosquito breeding sites; provision of sprays and educational materials to better inform people how to protect themselves against malaria, and research into various aspects of malaria control. In the meantime, our nearest neighbours have many needs. Decent educational facilities and materials, clean water supplies, medical stations, birthing kits, and safe sewerage disposal. Individual clubs can form long term relationships with villages in Papua New Guinea. Bed nets currently being supplied will need maintenance and eventually replacement.
For information on “Adopt a Village” contact PDG Richmond Manyweathers, (See address above).
Special thanks to Rotary Clubs of Palm Beach and Coomera River Midday, both of whom have made recent donations to Adopt a Village.
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