The Democratic Republic of the Congo

"The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo desperately need help. People are dying every day from diseases we can prevent and treat" (WHO, Donor). Malaria is one of the biggest killers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly known as Zaire). "Health experts estimate that each child under five years of age in DRC has 6 to 10 attacks of malaria per year. This is equivalent to as many as 100 million episodes, or even more, annually. Approximately 180,000 Congolese children under five die from the disease every year, and many others are orphaned when malaria weakens and kills their parents" (Gilliam).

"In less than five years, more than 3 million people have died - most from preventable and treatable diseases. The public health infrastructure is virtually broken down. The risk of epidemics remains high. Without international support to restore basic health care services, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will only continue to worsen" (WHO, Donor). The country's health system "is severely weakened with insufficient capacity to meet the needs of the population...In many areas, the health system functions as if it were private and patients cannot afford to seek assistance. Numerous private pharmacies provide drugs of dubious quality." Furthermore, most "health workers have not received salaries...for decades. Doctors have left the periphery and gone to the cities or to international agencies for employment...The health worker education system does not function anymore, and there are concerns about the staff qualifications" (WHO, Country).

Current estimates report that "6 out of 10 children do not reach their 5th birthday" (WHO, Donor). "Malaria (P. Falciparum) is endemic" in the country "and is accountable for 45% of childhood mortality. Children under five, of whom only an estimated 0.7% sleep under an insecticide-treated net, suffer from six to ten malaria-related fever episodes each year" (WHO, Country).

"With the rainy season just days away, UNICEF, along with partners including UNITAID and the World Food Program, is mobilizing the distribution of some 5.5 million mosquito bed nets in DRC. Each has been treated with insecticide and can help reduce the risk of contracting malaria for those who sleep under them at night" (Gilliam).

The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo need your help. While Non-governmental organizations and charities are donating and distributing mosquito nets to the country, the need is still great. Visit one of the sites below for information on how you can help send mosquito nets to people in need in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Also, visit our Help Us page for information on how you can help Infectious Bite raise malaria awareness.

Links:
Malaria No More
Netting Nations

Sources:
Gilliam, Eva. UNICEF. "Malaria campaign underway in Democratic Republic of Congo" 5 October 2009.

WHO. Country Profile: DRC. http://www.who.int/hac/crises/cod/drc_profile_dec08.pdf
WHO. Photo Gallery. [Photo]
WHO. Donor Profile: DRC. http://www.who.int/hac/donorinfo/campaigns/cod/en/

Infectious Bite needs your help

I'm pleased to tell you that recently Infectious Bite has received many emails from individuals who wish to help spread awareness about malaria. To those individuals: I sincerely thank you.
Infectious Bite is an awareness and education organization. You can show your support and deliver pertinent information about malaria to the public by adding one of these notes to your profile page or website. [Single click to view image. Right click, & save.]

A single dose of malaria medication costs approximately 13 cents. Unfortunately, infected individuals can often not afford or find the necessary medication. $10 buys and delivers a bed net (through MalariaNoMore, NothingButNets, or the CDC Foundation), which can protect two children nightly, and prevent them from contracting malaria.		There are 350-500 Million cases of malaria annually. Each year, there are about 1 Million deaths. Most of the dead are children and pregnant women.
Show your support and encourage action with this simple note.		It is estimated that Africa's annual GDP would increase by $100 Billion if malaria were eradicated. Malaria is not just a health problem, it is also an economic drain.

Malaria kills 350-500 million people each year. Per day, there are 2700 malaria-related deaths. This is a global health concern of massive proportions.
Malaria is a disease that infects all areas of life. The economies of malaria-laden countries suffers from a reduced or disabled workforce and high mortality rate. It is estimated that Africa's GDP would be $100 Billion dollars greater (annually) if malaria were eradicated.

You can also spread awareness about the devastation of malaria by purchasing and wearing an Infectious Bite t-shirt. Profits support our educational events and go to malaria relief.


We appreciate all offers for help. With your help we can bite malaria back.