Malaria is spread by mosquito bites, mostly in the evening and at night. Young children and pregnant women are most at risk.
Good habits
Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net every night, especially children and pregnant women. Tuck it in well under the mattress.
Remove standing water around the house: old tyres, cans, pots, blocked gutters.
Close doors and windows in the evening and wear long clothing at dusk.
If there is a fever
Any fever may be malaria. Come to the center for a test within 24 hours, especially for a child. Avoid self-medication: a rapid test makes sure you get the right treatment.
Come immediately if a child has convulsions, vomits everything, is very weak or hard to wake, or has difficulty breathing.
Hygiene
Everyday hygiene
Many illnesses, such as typhoid, cholera and diarrhea, spread through dirty hands, water and food.
Good habits
Wash your hands with soap and water before cooking, before eating, before feeding a child and after using the toilet.
Drink safe water: boil or treat your water and store it in a clean, closed container.
Wash fruit and vegetables well, cook food thoroughly and cover dishes.
Use clean latrines and keep the area around the house clean.
In case of diarrhea
Drink plenty of fluids, especially oral rehydration solution (ORS). See a health worker quickly if diarrhea lasts more than two days, if there is blood in the stool, a high fever, or if a child is not drinking well.
Pregnancy
A healthy pregnancy
Good follow-up during pregnancy protects the health of both mother and baby.
Good habits
Come for your first prenatal visit as soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally before 12 weeks, then come back regularly: the World Health Organization recommends at least 8 contacts during pregnancy.
Take the iron and folic acid prescribed and eat a varied diet.
Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net and follow the preventive malaria treatment offered during pregnancy.
Get the vaccines recommended during pregnancy.
Plan for the birth: arrange transport, set aside some money and choose who will come with you. Give birth in a health facility.
Come immediately, day or night, in case of bleeding, severe headache or blurred vision, fever, swelling of the face and hands, waters breaking, or if the baby is moving less.
This advice is general information. It does not replace the advice of a health professional. If in doubt, call us at +237 677 56 43 56.
