The sound of a mosquito buzzing around at night is not just an irritation. In much of the developing world, it represents a real threat, because the mosquito is responsible for carrying and spreading malaria. More than a million people die of malaria each year, mostly in Africa. But simple measures such as mosquito nets can greatly reduce the risk of infection. See how they’ve helped in Angola.
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Fit and well
Malaria does not have to be a death sentence if treated promptly. This young boy, looking the picture of health, has recently recovered from malaria – a success story resulting from a public health and hygiene programme supported by your gifts. |
Thank you
That’s the message from Domingos Manico, king of Etamba district: “I thank a lot the initiative of Oxfam for distributing mosquito nets to us, because we know that when we use mosquito nets we don’t risk getting malaria. We stop spending our financial resources on buying drugs, and we give priority to other family needs.”
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In training
As important as the nets themselves, is the knowledge about how to use them and about how malaria is spread. So before they are distributed, people have a chance to learn more and ask questions.
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No hang-ups
The nets are only as good as the way in which they’re used. The little buzzers will find any gap in the defences to get a tasty sip of blood, so Oxfam’s partners demonstrate how to hang the nets properly around a bed. |
Safety nets
In Bie province, central Angola, 11,548 nets were distributed, with priority given to those most at risk – pregnant women, children under five years old, and elderly people. Two hundred nets also went to a Cholera Treatment Centre; people weakened by cholera are particularly vulnerable.
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