UGOOD established Malaria Awareness Camps in Districts Sialkot, Rawalpindi and Islamabad on World Malaria Day on April 25, 2008.
The significance of malaria as a health problem is increasing in many parts of the world. Epidemics are even occurring all around Pakistan. These outbreaks are generally associated with deteriorating social and economic conditions, and main victims are underprivileged rural populations. Demographic, economic and political pressures compel entire populations (seasonal workers, nomadic tribes and farmers migrating to newly-developed urban areas or new agricultural and economic developments) to leave malaria free areas and move into endemic zones. People are non-immune are at high risk of severe disease. Unfortunately, these population movements and the intensive urbanization are not always accompanied by adequate development of sanitation and health care. In many areas conflict, economic crises and administrative disorganization can result in the disruption of health services. The absence of adequate health services frequently results in recourse to self-administration of drugs often with incomplete treatment. Dr. Naima, Program Manager Health (UGOOD-PMH), explained that Malaria is complex but curable and preventable disease. Lives can be saved if the disease is detected early and adequately treated. It is known what action is necessary to prevent the disease and to avoid or contain epidemics and other critical situations. The technology to prevent, monitor, diagnose and treat malaria exists. It needs to be adapted to local conditions and to be applied through local and national malaria control programmes. To reduce the impact of Malaria in our country, United Global Organization Of Development (UGOOD) arranged Malaria Awareness Camps in Paris road, Sialkot, Dhook Chodrian, Rawalpindi and G-11 Markaz Islamabad on April 25, 2008. UGOOD arranged qualified Doctors to brief people about causes and symptoms of Malaria, explaining how to immunize from this disease and when to see a doctor if any symptoms are apparent. Along with malaria, information was also provided about two other major diseases i.e. HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis. These Camps were very successful as a number of people visited the sites and benefited from the relevant information provided at the camps. Dr. Khaliq, the head of the Malaria Awareness Campaign(UGOOD-MAC) said that this year the campaigns have received much better response as compared to the previous year’s campaigns which UGOOD organized with the help of Western Union Foundation, Bank Al Falah, Warid Telecom and other donors.