CAN THE TRADITIONAL DOCTOR CURE ME OF MALARIA? The traditional doctor does not cure malaria. Many claim to have remedies to prevent it or cure it. While they may have substances that alleviate the symptoms, the only effective treatment is to go to your health centre or hospital to receive conventional treatment. Balms, creams or ointments do not protect effectively against malaria. There are no useful “charms� to prevent malaria. Nor are there drinks which are specially prepared to avoid mosquito bites. Medicines based on natural products are neither effective nor sufficient to combat malaria.
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE NEVER HAVE MALARIA AND OTHERS HAVE IT VERY OFTEN? Malaria reacts differently depending on the person (in reality this happens with all diseases, but with malaria, if possible, even more). There are people who develop a much greater resistance to contracting malaria due their immune system or their lifestyle (diet, rest, etc.). In areas of high transmission, natural immunity develops more easily. There are different types of parasite in the various areas of the world where malaria is endemic (subSaharan Africa, Central America, South America, southeast Asia, amongst others). The most dangerous is in sub-Saharan Africa.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO TAKE THE MALARIA TEST? Taking the test, and as soon as possible; is essential. Early diagnosis and early treatment is the most effective way to avoid further complications, once you have malaria.
HOW IS THE TEST DONE? Malaria is diagnosed by observing the parasite under a microscope or by a rapid diagnostic test. If the test is negative, but you still notice symptoms of malaria, you should repeat it within 24 hours. Nowadays, the malaria test is through laboratory testing or through a simple kit, which is easy to use and provides the result almost immediately. In many cases, the test is free, or has a minimal cost.
DOES MALARIA CURE ITSELF? You can have malaria without realising, since the symptoms can be confused with flu, for example. If the symptoms appear, you must go to the doctor or Health Centre, to take the test. If malaria is diagnosed, follow the prescribed treatment strictly.
HOW MALARIA AFFECTS PREGNANT WOMEN Malaria can seriously affect the foetus, causing malformation and even miscarriage. It is advisable for pregnant women who live in highly endemic areas to get tested as soon as they have any identifiable symptom of malaria. It seems that pregnant women get up more often during the night to urinate and therefore are more exposed to mosquito bites. There is a specific prevention programme for pregnant women, known as intermittent preventive treatment, which consists of administering
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