Cut number of malaria victims by half in year 2010

The government has laid down and is implementing the national health policy for successful realization of one of the social objectives— uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation. Malaria is one of the six major diseases faced by the nation. It triggers not only a health related problem but also a social related problem. Globally, the number of people who are infected with malaria yearly is from 300 to 500 million, thereby causing about 2 million deaths. About 700,000 people in Myanmar are infected with malaria yearly. Malaria could affect not only the victims and their families but also national economy. Since 2000, the government has been taking steps to reduce the number of deaths caused by malaria by half in the year 2010. Man is infected with malaria after being bitten by mosquitoes that carry protozoal parasites. Such malaria-borne mosquitoes usually bite people at night. Everyone regardless of age could fall victim to malaria. Those who move from malaria-free regions to malaria-stricken regions are more susceptible, and once infected it could prove serious. Preventive measures such as imparting knowledge to the people, using mosquito nets treated with insecticide, cultivating the habit of visiting hospitals and receiving proper treatment need to be widely carried out. Preventive measures against the fatal disease are to be taken with the participation of the entire national people with a high level of health awareness. Only then, will the nation be able to reduce the number of malaria victims by half in the year 2010.