World day against Malaria
World Vision Senegal is committed in the fight against malaria, in order to improve the well-being of 8 million children by 2021,
particularly the most vulnerable. So on the occasion of the World Malaria Day, World Vision Senegal and its partners are meeting on April 23 in Niakhar to raise community awareness about this scourge. World Vision wants to involve all of society, especially children.
The theme of the 2016 edition is "Get rid of malaria for good" by 2030. Almost half of the world's population is at risk of malaria. In 2015, the World Health Organization recorded about 214 million cases and approximately 438,000 deaths caused by this disease.
A fierce battle that has been raging for several years
World Vision Senegal, one of Senegal’s longest standing NGOs, has been distributing Long Lasting Impregnated Mosquito Nets (LLINs) at community level for over 30 years. Furthermore, the NGO has been working on many aspects of disease prevention; raising awareness amongst families and communities, educating mothers on the prevention and management of malaria, the training of community volunteers (health relays) and also has been engaging in social mobilisation on the issues of hygiene and sanitation in the living environment.
Niakhar, « getting rid of malaria for good »
Despite efforts made by the Government of Senegal and its partners, malaria still remains a real threat in many areas, such as in the commune of Niakhar.
Based on those observations, World Vision has chosen Niakhar to host their activities around World Malaria Day, under the direction of the District Chief Medical Doctor and in collaboration with the Association of the School Headmasters (CODECs).
Drawing a line under Malaria !
This year, the World Malaria Day is special. World Vision Senegal has put education, through the CODECs, at the heart of the awareness campaign through an art contest (drawing) and public reading (read-a- thon).
The objectives of these activities it to :
- Draw attention and create awareness among the communities on the causes and prevention of malaria
- Further involve school children in the activities of prevention of malaria through sports, reading, song and drawing.
- Allow full participation of children in World Malaria Day.
School children from primary 3 (CE1) to primary 6 (CM2) have taken part, both in drawing and reading tests on malaria. The aim is to involve pupils, educate the younger generation on the causes and ways to prevent malaria.
Each CODEC has chosen its five best drawings illustrating the theme, as well as its top five readers representing them in the final on April 23 in Niakhar. Winners in both contests will be