On 25 April, people and organisations around the world celebrate World Malaria Day to recognise the global efforts to eliminate this deadly disease. Through a combination of prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment, Friends of Buburi are helping the community of Buburi win their fight against malaria and ultimately saving lives. To celebrate World Malaria Day 2012, we want to share with you the story of Roger Ochienu in our picture gallery.
Roger is just 15. He came to the clinic after suffering with a fever, headache, sickness and chest pains for three days. Tom Lay, Friends of Buburi volunteer, was at the clinic when Roger arrived: “When he arrived he had the look of a very sick man and his walk was lethargic”.
Roger had a consultation with our nurse Esther. A Rapid Diagnostic Test showed positive for falciparum malaria, the most deadly strain of the disease, which if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, seizures, coma, and death. He was also diagnosed with a respiratory infection, which is common in malaria victims as the disease increases their susceptibility to other infections.
Our pharmacy nurse Rose provided Roger with a three day course of Artefan, a combination of Artemether and Lumefantrine, which kills the parasite. He is also give Amoxycillin and cough syrup to treat the respiratory infection.
World Malaria Day is the opportunity for you to join our fight against malaria. Just £1 can diagnose and treat a child with malaria. Your donation will make a real difference to the families of Buburi and could even save a life. To make a donation, click here.
Find out more about what Friends of Buburi are doing in the fight against malaria by watching our audio slide show here.