[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNITION OF WORLD MALARIA DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance 
of World Malaria Day.
  While anyone exposed to a malaria-causing parasite can be afflicted 
with the disease, pregnant women and children are malaria's most 
frequent victims.
  Over ten percent of global maternal deaths are caused by malaria. 
Pregnant women are highly susceptible to malaria because their bodies' 
natural defense mechanisms are reduced during pregnancy. In these 
women, malaria causes high rates of miscarriage and severe anemia. 
Furthermore, malaria can cause low birth weight among newborn infants--
a leading risk factor for infant mortality and impaired growth and 
development.
  Malaria kills a child somewhere in the world every 30 seconds. In 
parts of the world where malaria is endemic, children are exposed 
repeatedly to the parasite, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. 
Although malaria is both preventable and treatable, if ineffective 
medicines are given or if treatment is delayed, the number of parasites 
in a child's body continues to increase. In these children, the disease 
can progress to a severe stage that is fatal in the majority of cases.
  I have long been a supporter of U.S. programs to promote maternal and 
child health overseas, and malaria programming is a key aspect of that. 
We have proven, effective tools to prevent and treat malaria. But more 
must be done. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of scaled-up 
deployment of these tools to reduce soaring child and maternal 
mortality rates in the developing world.

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