My name is Angela Rose, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student at St. Anne’s Ahero Junior Secondary School. I serve as President of the Student Council and Chairperson of the school health club. Our community is located in a malaria-prone region, where the disease is a constant challenge affecting nearly every family, including my own.
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is transmitted to humans by bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water such as puddles, uncovered containers, and clogged drains, which are common in our environment, especially during rainy seasons or when River Nyando floods. After being bitten, a person can develop symptoms within 7 to 14 days, including high fever, chills, headaches, vomiting, and fatigue. If not treated quickly, malaria can become life-threatening, especially for young children.
Our school health club was established in response to this challenge. Recognising the importance of knowledge, our teachers created a space for us to learn and take action. As Chairperson, I lead efforts to raise awareness in our school and community. We educate others on malaria prevention by draining stagnant water near kitchens and washing areas, using insecticide-treated nets, closing windows and doors at dusk, applying repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and seeking prompt medical care when symptoms appear.
Our health club collaborates closely with teachers and regularly invites healthcare professionals to speak about health and hygiene. These sessions are impactful, making the risks of malaria immediate and relevant rather than abstract.
We have created ‘talking walls,’ which are notice boards displaying clear information about malaria, its causes, transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes, symptoms, and prevention methods. These boards serve as constant reminders to pupils, teachers, and visitors that prevention starts with awareness.
I have experienced malaria firsthand. During my last illness, I had a high fever, body aches, and was too weak to attend school or focus on daily activities. For several days, I was confined to my home.
Malaria disrupts lives by causing missed lessons, poor academic performance, and setbacks for students. Tragically, it remains a leading cause of death in our community. Every preventable loss is unacceptable.
When I reported my symptoms to my teacher, she promptly contacted my parents, who took me to a health facility for testing and treatment. I was fortunate to receive timely support. Not every child has this advantage, which is why school-based health clubs are essential. They empower students to become health ambassadors, connect communities with healthcare resources, and equip young people to protect themselves and others.
When students learn that mosquito nets save lives, they share this knowledge with their families. When they understand the risks of stagnant water, they take action to eliminate it. This is the impact of education, and it is the core mission of our health club.
I encourage all pupils to join the health club, not only to learn about malaria but also to understand how to prevent many diseases through consistent, simple actions. Although we are young, we have the power to create healthier schools, homes, and communities. The fight against malaria begins with us.
Author: Wekesa Noah Wanjala, Digital Communications and Engagement Officer, Amref Health Africa.