She Didn’t Have to Die: Turning Grief into Action Against Malaria

Malaria is more than a disease; it robs individuals of their health, future, and loved ones.

I lost my grandmother to malaria. She was vibrant and always present. One week, she developed a fever, which we dismissed as minor. By the end of the week, she was gone, taken by a preventable illness. This loss has stayed with me and inspired me to join the school health club.

Malaria often begins subtly, resembling a common illness. However, it is important to recognise the warning signs.

Symptoms include a sudden high fever and chills, severe fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are also common. Some individuals experience heavy sweating as the fever subsides, only for it to return. In children, malaria can cause seizures. Without treatment, it can damage the brain, blood vessels, and organs. Even a mild fever can become fatal within days.

In Africa, a child dies from malaria every two minutes. This is not due to a lack of treatment, but because many families do not recognise the symptoms or seek help promptly.

I am committed to preventing other families from experiencing the same loss. At the health club, we take action by raising awareness, maintaining a clean environment, and emphasising that prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

Here is how to protect yourself and others: sleep under a treated mosquito net every night, no exceptions. Drain stagnant water around your home, in buckets, tyres, pots, and gutters, because that is where mosquitoes breed. Wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active. Use mosquito repellent on your skin and in your living spaces. Keep your surroundings clean and free of bush. 

And if you or someone you know develops a fever, chills, or unusual weakness, seek medical attention immediately and request testing. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Every hour counts. Grandmother could not be saved. But you can be. Let her story be the reason you choose to act today. Know the signs. Take precautions. Seek help early. Malaria is preventable. Malaria is treatable. No one else should have to lose someone they love to it.

Author: Wekesa Noah Wanjala, Digital Communications and Engagement Officer, Amref Health Africa.