Overview
Malaria remains the number one cause of illness and death among
refugees in vast tracts of Africa and Asia. A blood-borne parasite
transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria kills a child every 30 seconds -
3000 children a day, and nearly one million people a year. It poses
a particular threat to refugees, two thirds of whom live in
malaria-endemic areas. The risks are compounded by poor standards
of shelter and nutrition and a lack of access to healthcare.
Without treatment, 90% of children under the age of two will die
within 48 hours of contracting their first malarial fever. Malaria
is also a major cause of anaemia, a chronic blood disorder which
can cause long-term debilitation and hemorrhage in childbirth.
How we help
UNHCR is overseeing a major campaign to prevent and treat
malaria in African refugee settlements. Key to our work is the
distribution of pyrethrum-treated mosquito nets. In many camps, we
have teams going door-to-door to promote the nets' correct and
effective use, targeting vulnerable groups like pregnant women,
HIV/AIDS patients and young children. The bednet campaign has
markedly reduced malaria infections among refugees in target
countries like Kenya. We also conduct interior spraying and
community education programs to limit mosquito breeding near
refugee populations.
On the treatment front, UNHCR provides tests for rapid diagnosis,
anti-malarial medication for pregnant women and large stocks of
artemisenin-based malaria medicines.
Your donation
today can help UNHCR stamp out Malaria.
Meeting the MDGs
UNHCR is meeting the following MDGs in its Stamp Out
Malaria program:
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MDG 6: The Stamp Out Malaria program is
focusing on reversing the devastating effects of this disease by
2015. This program aims to provide refugees with insecticide
treated nets, increase fumigation, and implementing immunisation
programs in order to help reduce the number of adults and children
who suffer from malaria.
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News
HAITI: Urgent need seen for lasting solutions for Haiti's 1.5 million displaced - 12 July 2010
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at the press briefing, on 12 July 2010, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
The gaps and challenges remain enormous. At the peak of displacement some 2.3 million people were living away from their former homes. Today 1.5 million people remain in spontaneous settlements. Most of the displaced are in settlements in and around Port-au-Prince, and assistance has not adequately reached those in host families. Durable solutions for the displaced are still not in sight.
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