Every 45 seconds an African child dies from Malaria.
Deaths from the disease account for 20% of all childhood deaths in the continent. So it is not really surprising that scientists are working so hard to bring the disease under control. And it seems like there may have been a breakthrough in recent months – a trial of a new vaccine on children under 18 months old has shown that children who were given the vaccine were half as likely to contract the disease as those who were not given it.
Although it is still early days, with final results from the testing not due until 2014, this is being considered a major breakthrough, and the closest anyone has ever come to developing an effective malaria vaccine. If successful, it could save the lives of millions of children, giving them the chance to grow up and enjoy a childhood free from fear of the disease.
- Praise God for this development and its implications for children at risk around the world, especially in Africa
- Pray for the scientists working on the trial of the vaccine. Pray that God would give them wisdom and understanding to know how to proceed so that it is as effective and successful as it can be
- Pray for the children who are at particular risk of contracting malaria – especially those who are already suffering from hunger, poverty and other health issues, whose immune systems are weakest. Pray that God would protect them
- Pray for Viva’s partner networks throughout Africa, for whom the threat of malaria is a daily reality. Pray that project workers would know the best ways to protect the children in their care, and that they would be wise in recognising the symptoms early so that children can receive treatment as quickly as possible
