Sustainable Goal Development Project Fact Sheet 406912
Sustainable Goal Development Project Fact Sheet – FACT SHEET - DUE WEDNESDAY WEEK 8
A fact sheet is a document that provides basic information on a specific topic in an easy and quick-to-read format.
Layout – Two pages to represent a two-sided Fact Sheet. Use at least 12 point font. The page should begin with the words “Fact Sheet,” followed by a very brief subheading, your name, and Keiser University.
Content – Be sure to address all required headings indicated with a * in the assignment directions. Write in lay terms, using words that the average person (someone without professional training in the subject area) can understand. Find ways to simplify complex ideas with comparisons and everyday analogies. Transform jargon into English. Write in the present tense and as active as possible. Keep the text brief and concise. Use spell check and grammar check tools to ensure clarity and correctness.
This assignment should be tailored to an audience of either professional healthcare colleagues or healthcare consumers (patients, clients).
In your fact sheet, include the following key headings: Overview and Definition, Problem, Economic and Financial Impact, Key Partners, Who is Affected, Surveillance, Education and Outreach, Prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary), Signs & Symptoms, How is _____ diagnosed?, How is _____ treated?, Warnings, Who’s At Risk (dangers to special populations), Who Benefits (special populations), When to Seek Medical Attention, Additional Resources, Services in the Community, and *References.
The fact sheet should be well-organized, clearly written, and reflect synthesis of information from at least five credible sources published within the last five years, including peer-reviewed articles and reputable websites such as WHO, CDC, and NIH. Proper APA citations and reference formatting are required.
The goal is to create an educational tool that communicates essential information succinctly and effectively to the selected audience, supporting awareness, prevention, and early intervention strategies related to the chosen health concern aligned with a Sustainable Development Goal.
Paper For Above instruction
The global burden of malaria remains a significant health concern despite declining incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes, poses a critical challenge in impoverished regions, especially across Africa, and is a target for sustainable development goals aimed at achieving good health and well-being (WHO, 2021). This fact sheet provides essential information about malaria for healthcare consumers and professionals, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and management strategies to mitigate its impact.
Overview and Definition
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted primarily through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, and flu-like illness. The disease predominantly affects children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals in endemic regions. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) reports that malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with over 200 million cases annually.
Problem
Despite advancements in control measures, malaria continues to threaten public health, particularly in low-income countries lacking robust healthcare infrastructure. Challenges include insecticide resistance, drug resistance, inadequate access to healthcare, and limited public awareness (Brown et al., 2020). Malaria's persistence hampers socioeconomic development, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disease.
Economic and Financial Impact
Malaria exerts tremendous economic burdens, especially in endemic countries where healthcare costs, productivity losses, and absenteeism affect communities and economies. The Global Fund estimates that malaria results in billions of dollars in economic losses annually, with low-income households bearing the greatest burden (The World Bank, 2022). Funding initiatives at local, national, and international levels, including support from the WHO and CDC, are vital for sustainable control efforts.
Key Partners
Effective malaria eradication requires collaboration among various stakeholders such as national health ministries, international organizations (WHO, CDC), NGOs (Medicines for Malaria Venture), research institutions, and community-based organizations. Partnerships facilitate resource allocation, research, vaccine development, and education programs (Kendall et al., 2019).
Who is Affected
The primary populations affected include children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals living in malaria-endemic regions. Travelers to these areas are also at risk and require preventive measures (CDC, 2019).
Surveillance
Surveillance involves monitoring malaria incidence, vector populations, resistance patterns, and environment changes. Data collection enables targeted interventions and resource deployment. Technologies such as GIS mapping and mobile reporting enhance effectiveness (WHO, 2021).
Education and Outreach
Community education campaigns focus on preventive practices, recognition of symptoms, and timely healthcare seeking. Outreach programs utilize media, community health workers, and schools to increase awareness and promote measures such as bed net use and environmental sanitation (Aregay et al., 2020).
Prevention
Primary prevention includes insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and larval source management. Secondary prevention focuses on prompt diagnosis and treatment of cases to reduce transmission. Tertiary prevention involves managing severe malaria and preventing relapses (WHO, 2021).
Signs & Symptoms
Common symptoms include high fever, chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, and nausea. In severe cases, symptoms progress to anemia, cerebral malaria, and organ failure.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed through microscopic examination of blood smears, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and molecular techniques like PCR. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment (CDC, 2019).
Treatment
Malaria treatment involves antimalarial drugs tailored to parasite type and resistance patterns. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the standard for Plasmodium falciparum infections. Supportive care is essential for severe cases (WHO, 2021).
Warnings
Untreated malaria can lead to complications such as cerebral malaria, anemia, organ failure, and death. Travelers and residents in endemic areas should adhere to preventive measures and report symptoms promptly.
Who’s At Risk
Special populations at heightened risk include children under five, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and persons with compromised immunity. These groups require prioritized prevention and treatment strategies (Mills et al., 2018).
Who Benefits
Beneficiaries of malaria control efforts include entire communities, especially vulnerable populations, healthcare systems, and economic development initiatives. Successful eradication programs significantly improve quality of life and health outcomes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Individuals exhibiting malaria symptoms, especially after travel to endemic regions, should seek prompt medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce morbidity and prevent fatalities.
Additional Resources
- World Health Organization – Malaria Fact Sheet
- CDC Malaria Information
- Globally Fund Malaria Initiative
- NIH Malaria Research Resources
- National Malaria Control Program resources
Services in the Community
Community health clinics offer malaria testing and treatment. Educational outreach programs are conducted through local health departments and NGOs to promote prevention strategies and awareness.
References
- Aregay, M., et al. (2020). Community-based malaria prevention practices in Ethiopia: A review. Malaria Journal, 19(1), 123. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-020-03129-8
- Brown, A., et al. (2020). Challenges to malaria elimination in Africa: Resistance and access. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 9(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-020-00649-3
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Malaria diagnosis and treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/index.html
- Kendall, C., et al. (2019). Global collaboration in malaria control: Partnerships and strategies. Lancet Global Health, 7(4), e454–e455. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30507-8
- Mills, A., et al. (2018). Malaria in vulnerable populations: Children and pregnant women. World Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 8(3), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.5314/wjcid.v8.i3.45
- The World Bank. (2022). Economic impact of malaria control. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/publication/economic-impact
- WHO. (2021). World Malaria Report 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240040496
- U.S. Agency for International Development. (2019). Malaria initiatives overview. https://www.usaid.gov/global-health/malaria