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  • Writer's pictureRazieen Saad

Global Collaborations: Research and Initiatives for Dengue and Malaria Eradication

Can you tell me what is common between King Tutankhamun, Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus? ...

They all died due to mosquito-related diseases.


(Image source: CNBC)
(Image source: CNBC)

Mainly mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria and dengue fever, present themselves as major threats to global health. Today we will examine the complications of these illnesses and discuss their causes, symptoms, impact, and ongoing efforts in prevention and management, but we need to talk about their origin first. So mostly these mosquito-related diseases are caused by Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Aedes albopictus. These diseases are prevalent in most of the regions in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and some Pacific islands.


Although their primary source of nutrition is plant nectar, mosquitoes also consume animal blood during reproduction to gain the necessary protein for the development of their eggs. After that, they deposit the eggs in clear water, where the larvae develop and hatch. Similar to their parents, these larvae annually infect millions of people. Their financial burden intensifies poverty, so a preventative approach involving bed nets, medicine, and cutting-edge tactics like genetically engineered mosquitoes is required. Nonetheless, certain obstacles still exist, such as drug-resistant strains and restricted access to healthcare in rural areas. Many scientists think that lowering environmental pollution will have a major impact on decreasing the growing mosquito population.


Everyone would be glad to know that the World Health Organization's Global Malaria Program seeks to eradicate malaria globally, and is one of the best examples of global collaboration. Despite these obstacles, developments in healthcare systems, vaccinations, and research suggest that malaria's ominous shadow may soon disappear. From minor to severe symptoms, dengue, malaria or other mosquito-related infections can cause a wide range of symptoms. Early signs and symptoms might include joint and muscle pain, a high fever, intense headaches, and pain behind the eyes. Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is typified by bleeding, organ damage, and potentially fatal complications, can arise from dengue in severe cases.


Out of 300 million infected patients, almost a million people die each year from diseases spread by mosquitoes. Since ancient times, mosquitoes have posed a serious threat to our human society. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost half of the world's population is at risk of infection, demonstrating the extent of their impact. The prevalence of dengue fever has grown recently and has the potential to grow more, impacting tropical and subtropical areas and placing a heavy burden on medical infrastructure.


International cooperation between governmental bodies, nonprofits, and academic institutions is indeed crucial. Research on prevention and treatment, along with enhanced healthcare infrastructure and public awareness, are also all part of the cooperative response. To promote global health in the future and reduce the number of cases of dengue fever and malaria, communities and healthcare systems should collaborate. Avoiding these illnesses necessitates a diverse strategy. Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds requires community involvement, which highlights the significance of appropriate waste disposal and water storage methods. For personal protection, bed nets, insect repellents, and targeted pesticide applications are still essential. Antimalarial drugs, like artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), are critical for both the prevention and treatment of malaria. Addressing their overall impact requires international collaboration between governments, non-profits, and research institutions. Developing effective defenses against this persistent viral threat requires advancing research into new prevention and treatment strategies, improving the healthcare infrastructure, and increasing public awareness.


Finally, in keeping with the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The first wealth is health," These illnesses demand an all-encompassing, cooperative response. As it is better late than never, we, as the residents of this planet, should take vital step against it; otherwise, it would be too late for us to counter it. The possibility of a future with less their impact becomes more likely as communities and healthcare systems work together on research projects and preventive measures to create a cleaner environment.


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