Malaria In Africa

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The simple fact that malaria is endemic in Africa can hinder the country's economic development and hamper the nation's prosperity. Malaria's simple presence in a region can greatly influence the economic decision-making of both foreign countries and individuals alike. In today's globalized world, economic linkages and foreign interactions are critical for the success and development of a nation. Along with other factors, however, malaria has made it difficult for Africa to keep up with the rest of the world. Incentives to engage in trade and foreign investment are thwarted by the increased burden of malaria on investors and their labor force. According to an article in The New York Times, Billiton, an international mining company, invested …show more content…
In addition, the presence of malaria discourages tourists from travelling to malaria-endemic areas for fear of disease contraction, resulting in an undeveloped tourist industry. Malaria also affects migrant workers by inhibiting labor movement between regions of low and high malaria transmission. Although residents of endemic areas normally develop immunity to the disease, acquired immunity can also be lost over time without constant contact with the parasite. Therefore, people who leave then return to endemic areas become more susceptible to severe malaria attacks. This impedes human mobility, minimizes worker productivity, and deters people from seeking better opportunities elsewhere (Malaney and Sachs). In general, malaria has adverse effects on the macroeconomics of Africa, rendering the continent unable to financially compete with the rest of the …show more content…
Ultimately, investments in education can boost productivity and improve the labor market in both developed and developing countries. Unfortunately, malaria makes it difficult to acquire human capital by interfering with a child's health, education, performance, and cognitive development. Malaria can affect the health of an individual even prior to birth. Since pregnant women are one of the groups at risk of malaria infection, the disease can consequently result in low birth weight, congenital infection, and miscarriages. Low birth weight among babies is a major risk factor for infant deaths and may lead to suboptimal cognitive and behavioral development (Malaney and Sachs). Malaria also interferes with children's schooling by contributing to school absenteeism. According to a journal article in Parasitology Today, 13-50% of all medical related absences in school can be attributed to malaria (Brooker et al.). If this is the case, the disease is stalling the progress of education systems, contributing to increased failure and drop-out rates, and diminishing children's capacity to achieve their full potential. An even more severe consequence is the impact that malaria has on a child's growth and ability to learn. According to a journal article in BioMed Central, children who survive cerebral malaria sustain brain injuries and are predisposed to developing mental health disorders and
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