The 25th of April marked the annual World Health Organisation (W.H.O) World Malaria Awareness Day and our staff across Africa, where the disease is endemic, mark this important event each year by providing advice and practical support to all members of our staff.

As part of this year’s event, a Malaria-related Safety Moment was included at the beginning of internal meetings, and all staff as well as non-FTE service providers received treated mosquito nets to help protect themselves and their families. Furthermore, detailed presentations were delivered during the Monthly General HSE Meetings held in Angola and Nigeria.

The HSE Committee in Port Harcourt staged a short play to reinforce the serious message of the campaign in a fun way. Special thanks go to the actors: Lawrence Ndukauba, Michelle Jackson, Lizzie Toby, Isaac Ibiteinbo-Ofori, ThankGod Chukwu, Iddy Palmer and the playwright - Eno Inyang. Their “Oscars” are in the post.

According to official W.H.O figures, Malaria kills between 0.5 to 0.7 million people each year, with the majority of those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children under 5 years old are particularly at risk and it is estimated that Malaria kills a child every 2 minutes. We must all be vigilant and take adequate steps throughout the year to avoid infection.

“Malaria Kills – Stop Malaria!"