Innovation - Compassion - Health

🌿 Malaria in Côte d’Ivoire: How to Protect Yourself Effectively

🧭 Introduction: A Persistent Public Health Concern

Malaria remains a major public health issue in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite significant progress in recent years, the disease continues to affect many people, especially during the rainy season. Yet, simple daily actions and preventive measures can greatly reduce the risks of infection.

🦟 What Is Malaria, Exactly?

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
In Côte d’Ivoire, transmission is stable year-round, with a sharp increase in cases during the rainy season, typically from May to October.

⚠️ Symptoms to Watch For

• Sudden fever

• Chills

• Headaches

• Nausea, vomiting

• Body aches

• Extreme fatigue

If you experience any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment ensure full recovery and help avoid severe complications.

📊 Malaria in Numbers – Côte d’Ivoire

• Incidence: In 2022, malaria affected 270 out of every 1,000 people in the general population — and a staggering 842 out of 1,000 children under five.

• Mortality: Deaths from malaria dropped from 3,222 in 2017 to 1,485 in 2023 — a 50% reduction.

• Medical visits: In 2023, 1 in 3 medical consultations in the country was still due to malaria, down from nearly half a decade earlier.
  (Sources: endmalaria.org, Abidjan.net, pnlpcotedivoire.org)

🛡️ 5 Simple Ways to Prevent Malaria

1. Use Insecticide-Treated Nets

Sleeping under a treated mosquito net provides both a physical and chemical barrier to bites — one of the most effective methods of protection.

2. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. Empty buckets, old tires, and flowerpots regularly to stop their breeding cycle.

3. Wear Protective Clothing in the Evening

Opt for long, light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs — especially at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

4. Use Mosquito Repellents

Apply skin-friendly repellents or sprays to exposed skin and clothing. Ask your pharmacist for advice, especially for children and pregnant women.

5. Seek Medical Attention in Case of Fever

Never self-medicate without a confirmed diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic tests are available at pharmacies and health centers, giving results in minutes. If positive, an appropriate antimalarial treatment will be prescribed.

💉 A New Hope: The Introduction of a Malaria Vaccine

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire became the first country in the African region to include the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine in its national immunization program for children under two.
Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine is administered in four doses at 6, 8, 9, and 15 months, and brings new hope for reducing child mortality from malaria.

👩‍⚕️ The Role of Your Local Pharmacy

Your community pharmacy is a key partner in the fight against malaria:

• Insecticide-treated mosquito nets

• Advice on repellents and protective habits

• On-site rapid diagnostic tests

• Effective antimalarial medications

At Pharmacie Bethy, our team is here to support you — with answers, solutions, and a warm welcome.

✅ In Summary: Malaria Is Preventable

With the right habits, you can protect your health and your family’s.
Together, let’s stop malaria in Côte d’Ivoire.

📍 Need advice or products? Visit our pharmacy — we’re here to help.

📚 Sources & References

• National Malaria Control Program (PNLP) – Côte d’Ivoire
  ➤ pnlpcotedivoire.org

• RBM Partnership to End Malaria
  ➤ endmalaria.org

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Global malaria factsheets
  ➤ who.int

• Abidjan.net – Health News
  ➤ news.abidjan.net

• Wikipedia – PNLP Côte d’Ivoire
  ➤ fr.wikipedia.org

Pharmacie Bethy