Dangerous mosquito-borne diseases pose significant health problems in many parts of the world. According to both the CDC and the WHO, malaria alone is responsible for more than 400,000 deaths each year, primarily in the sub-Saharan African nations. Other known mosquito-borne diseases include dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika and Chikungunya, as well as arboviral encephalitides which encompasses many forms of encephalitis, including West Nile virus.
Joining the Fight Against Mosquito Diseases
The good news is that extensive progress is now being made in the fight against mosquitoes and the serious diseases they carry. Over the past two decades increased efforts and funding have dramatically reduced the global burden of malaria, preventing 1.5 billion cases and saving 7.6 million lives. There are a number of global humanitarian organizations that are doing excellent work in helping to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases in various parts of the world. Here’s a list of some of the more prominent organizations:
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation — This organization, established by the Microsoft founder and his wife, has committed billions of dollars in grants toward malaria prevention and control and has enacted a comprehensive multi-year malaria eradication strategy. Working to fight the disease long-term, this organization attempts to reduce the burden of malaria, accelerate the progress towards eradication, and get ahead of resistance.
- World Health Organization — The WHO is actively involved in the efforts to prevent mosquito-borne diseases around the world. The WHO Global Malaria Programme is designed to promote the adoption of evidence-based standards, keep the independent score of global progress, develop approaches for capacity building and system strengthening, and identifying threats to malaria control and elimination as well as new areas of action. The WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030 has been adopted by the World Health Assembly provides a technical framework for all malaria-endemic countries.
- Nothing But Nets — Nothing But Nets is a campaign from the United Nations Foundation that partners with WHO, UNICEF and the UN Refugee Agency to create awareness and raise funds to fight malaria in Africa. Through donations, the organization is able to send insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) to third-world countries heavily afflicted by malaria. The netting is used to create a protective barrier around sleeping areas. According to Nothing But Nets, in high coverage areas, bed nets can reduce the incidence of malaria by 90%.
- American Mosquito Control Association — The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) is to provide leadership, information, and education to the enhancement of health and quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes. Previously know as the Mosquito Research Fund, the AMCA Research Fund seeks to fund research that will lead to new tools and strategies for mosquito surveillance and control.
- Malaria No More – Malaria No More (MNM) is a worldwide organization committed to eliminating mosquito-transmitted malaria deaths in children. With the help of financial contributions, MNM has been able to provide over 1 billion mosquito nets that have resulted in a 58 percent decline in child malaria deaths in many parts of Africa since 2000. MNM also fuels advocacy efforts to engage global leaders in the fight against mosquito diseases.
Each of these worthy organizations can use your help in the ongoing battle against mosquito diseases. Many have already made great strides toward reducing the occurrences of malaria and other serious afflictions. Feel free to contact your organization of choice to make a financial donation or see how you can contribute to the cause in other ways.
Getting Involved in the Fight Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases
While it’s great to help organizations fight mosquito-borne diseases across the world, don’t forget to limit the chances of contracting a mosquito disease on your own property. A Mosquito Magnet® trap is an extremely effective mosquito control tool, as it can dramatically reduce the mosquito population over the course of the season. Stay up to date with the latest mosquito fighting techniques and information by signing up for our e-newsletter.
