Keeping Mosquitoes At Bay

In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) held its First World Health Assembly, where the members decided to designate the 7th of April as World Health Day. They may have noticed the life expectancy of the world population, which was longer than the previous century. Another thing was the (rising) awareness on public health, which should be everyone's responsibility. The latter wasn't the case of richer countries aiding the poor, but how good health can be beneficial to anyone, a win-win situation in the long run.

Every year, WHO spotlights on a particular aspect of (good) health, making it a theme for World Health Day. The aim is to educate the public, engaging them by becoming aware, and in turn, teach others. Here are the different themes of World Health Days:

1995: Polo eradication

1996: Healthy cities

1997: Infectious diseases

1998: Motherhood

1999: Active aging

2000: Safe blood

2001: Mental health

2002: Move for better health

2003: Healthy environments (for children)

2004: Road safety

2005: Mother and child

2006: Working together (for better health)

2007: Health security

2008: Adverse effects of climate change

2009: Making hospitals safe

2010: Urbanization and health

2011: Anti-microbial resistance

2012: Prolonging life expectancy

2013: Importance of healthy heart

For 2014, WHO focuses on vector-borne diseases, its causes and prevention. This can be airborne, through sneezing or coughing, or waterborne, during drinking or consumption of food. Both of these may be due to poor sanitation, but there's something else that this kind of disease is dreaded for. Malaria.

The infected female Anopheles mosquito is a carrier of Plasmodium, a type of parasitic protozoan. Once these parasites enter the circulatory system, they travel to the liver and reproduce. Fever and headache are the common symptoms of malaria, coma or death happen in severe cases. As part of its education, WHO designated April 25 as World Malaria Day. This was an important step on the part of the Geneva-based organization, as there was a high chance of malaria outbreak in heavily-populated areas. Furthermore, the cost (of preventing the disease) may be out of reach to some inhabitants. But there's a way to keep those mosquitoes at bay.

Here are some preventive tips:

1. Awareness can save you. Mosquitoes won't exist without still water. Moreover, this insect abounds during the wet season. If you travel frequently, keep in mind that it's best to visit when it's sunny and dry. If you live in a rural area, then make sure that there are no still water around.

2. Be prepared. There are cases when knowledge may not be enough. Have an insect repellent, which must be apply to exposed skin. Use mosquito nets, which is a better option. But air conditioner is the best, as mosquitoes are cold-blooded.

3. Have an antimalarial medication. Malaria prevention is possible, but this depends on the area you live. Consult a doctor, as some mosquitoes are resistant to some medicines. Only your physician can advise you on this.