As the CEO of Shalina Healthcare, I have always felt a drive to tackle the alarming issue of malaria in Africa. According to the WHO, malaria claims the lives of over 400,000 people yearly, with most of these deaths occurring in Africa. The DRC, Nigeria, and Uganda are among the hardest hit.
As a mother myself, the knowledge that children under five years old are the most vulnerable hits me hard. As a business woman, I am also extremely concerned about the disruption to the social and economic development of Africa. The result of sickness and malaria-related fatalities affects not only the children I care so much for – but the entire family unit – at a time when it is crucial that Africa continues on its path toward being a vibrant and growing economic powerhouse.
Over the years, Shalina Healthcare has made it our priority to raise awareness about malaria and educate communities on the importance of prevention and treatment. We have conducted fun and interactive social media campaigns with mega influencers like Broda Shaggi, making education memorable to people of all ages and in all walks of life. We have endorsed simple yet effective measures such as using insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and proper sanitation to significantly reduce the risk of infection.
We also recognize that awareness and education on the ground are crucial components in the fight against malaria. Our teams have been dedicated to engaging in community outreach programs, distributing educational materials, and partnering with local organizations to enhance public understanding of malaria prevention and control.
At Shalina Healthcare, the greatest contribution we can make ultimately make is providing safe, effective, and affordable medication. Our flagship brands, Shal’Artem and L’Artem, contain the Artemether + Lumefantrine (AL) combination, which the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends as the first treatment choice for malaria. The AL combination found in Shal’Artem is highly effective, with a cure rate of better than 98% and rapid resolution of fever in malaria. Artemether in Shal’Artem quickly kills the malaria parasites, while the long-lasting action of lumefantrine prevents the reappearance of malaria symptoms.
As we continue our efforts to tackle this critical issue, I urge everyone to join hands in the fight against malaria. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way toward a healthier and more prosperous future for Africa.
Warm regards,
Shalina Clifford
