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 other tropical diseases) are endemic. As such, malaria is implicated in at least four of the Millenium Development Goals.

Many organisations are working together with the governments of developing countries in order to combat malaria and other diseases. With widespread measures for malaria prevention (such as the distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated bednets), diagnosis and treatment, it is hoped that the burden of malaria, and especially mortality, will be reduced.