My first hand experience of Malaria came on my first working Overseas trip to The Gambia back in 1992 when our African bricklayers and labourers did not appear for work or if they did: looked very tired, ashen and lethargic. Apart from that they appeared normal! After a day or so of illness they returned to work and then a few days later were struck down again. The children affected reminded me, incorrectly, of children with severe flu like symptoms. To those in the Western world this may appear very trivial but once the body is stricken with Malaria it is a reoccurring incidence. Even Paracetamol can be a source of relief to Malaria sufferers if you can afford the cost!
Of course the economic effects on family life are apparent when the wage earner, be it meagre or not, fails to earn any money.
During the course of my last nine visits Malaria is the ailment most described and of most concern to local health workers and perhaps it is not until you see a very fit, well nourished English friend struck down do you realise the potential implications of Malaria.
When elected as RIBI President for 2003/2004, I felt together we had the opportunity of laying a Foundation in making more people aware of this condition and how with education and nets we can make a difference to those in Tanzania.

Why Tanzania?

Because I know in parts of the country they are already doing a great deal of work with education and nets to control Malaria in their country and I have a great Rotary friend in the Rotary Club of Arusha who will monitor progress and keep us informed.
I am delighted that I have been given this opportunity of offering Rotary support to the Tanzanian people through being RIBI President and I thank everyone of you for giving your time in reading this synopsis and for whatever help you, your club, and your District can give to this battle against Malaria.

Why Malaria?

One of the biggest killers in the world today One million children in Africa die every year from Malaria
That means one child every 30 seconds Half a billion people contract Malaria every year
3 million of these will die
Pregnant women are also amongst the hardest hit
By the time you have read this synopsis 18 more people will have died.

What is Malaria?

A febrile debilitating illness, which can lead to chronic anaemia, brain and kidney damage and death. It is caused by the Plasmodium parasite that is injected into the blood system by an infected anopheles mosquito.

Who are we working with?
The Liverpool School of Tropical medicine.
The Rotary Club of Arusha, Tanzania.

What is the problem?

Malaria is difficult to eradicate as the mosquitoes breed in swampy marshy areas of the tropics, and the parasite is becoming resistant to the cheaper drugs.

How can we help?

The Future

Our first training symposium will take place at the end of August 2003 in a new village community centre at Maji Yi Chai near Arusha, Tanzania. The centre having been newly constructed by the Rotaract/Rotary Overseas project team at the beginning of August 2003.

Costs

For example, a treated bed net costs approximately £4.00.

Can you do something specific during that week?

How can Rotary help?

By holding fund raising events to fund the building of village health centres, purchasing nets, equipment, drugs and insecticides. We hope the family of Rotary – Interact, Rotaract, Inner Wheel - will help towards this family orientated project.
It is very likely you will not see the value of your work in establishing this project. Although perhaps one day you may care to visit a centre in Tanzania but I am delighted that the family of Rotary in these islands is willing to extend their hand of friendship, understanding and help to those in another country and in so doing really do show that Rotary Cares and Rotary Works and on their behalf I thank you for Making A Difference.

Contact for further information:

Rotary REMIT Co-ordinator:
Rotarian PDG Dr. Keith Barnard-Jones,
Old Hill House, Old Hill, Portland, Dorset DT5 1LQ
Tel/Fax: 01 305 821 030 E-mail: kbeejay@classicfm.net
Donations:
Cheques payable to: "REMIT" and sent to RIBI, Kinwarton, Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6PB.