[الدكتور أحمد باذيب]

The significance of malaria as a health problem is increasing in many parts of the world. Epidemics are even occurring around traditionally endemic zones in areas where transmission had been eliminated. These outbreaks are generally associated with deteriorating social and economic conditions, and main victims are underprivileged rural populations. Demographic, economic and political pressures compel entire populations (seasonal workers, nomadic tribes and farmers migrating to newly-developed urban areas or new agricultural and economic developments) to leave malaria free areas and move into endemic zones. People are non-immune are at high risk of severe disease. Unfortunately, these population movements and the intensive urbanization are not always accompanied by adequate development of sanitation and health care. In many areas conflict, economic crises and administrative disorganization can result in the disruption of health services. The absence of adequate health services frequently results in a recourse to self-administration of drugs often with incomplete treatment. This is a major factor in the increase in resistance of the parasites to previously effective drugs.
In all situations, control programmes should be based on four objectives:
Provision of early diagnosis and prompt treatment to all people at risk
Selective application of sustainable preventive measures, including vector control adapted to the local situations
An immediate, vigorous and wide-scale response to epidemics
The development of reliable information on infection risk, living conditions of concerned populations, and vectors
Malaria is complex but it is a curable and preventable disease. Lives can be saved if the disease is detected early and adequately treated. It is known what action is necessary to prevent the disease and to avoid or contain epidemics and other critical situations. The technology to prevent, monitor, diagnose and treat malaria exists. It needs to be adapted to local conditions and to be applied through local and national malaria control programmes.