Today is World Malaria Day, an awareness campaign organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to examine the progress made towards malaria control and elimination.

Global efforts to control and eliminate malaria have saved an estimated 3.3 million lives since 2000, reducing malaria mortality rates by 42% globally, however malaria still kills an estimated 627 000 people every year.

And although most malaria cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, it is found in more than 100 countries, including areas of Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

Malaria is not found in the UK, however about 1,400 travellers were diagnosed with malaria after returning to the UK in 2012.

If you are travelling abroad this summer, then visit YourGP’s specialist travel clinic which provides vaccination advice and medication in one place – saving you time and money.

Although you cannot be vaccinated against malaria, you can protect yourself by covering up with suitable clothing, using insect repellents and a mosquito net when necessary. Depending on where you are visiting, we can also advise you on whether you need to take malaria prevention tablets.

Malaria almost always starts with fever, so if you get a fever after your return from your travels, you should come in and be checked at YourGP.

We can provide a comprehensive post-travel check for anyone who feels that they might have been exposed to malaria or other health problems while they were abroad.

When you come in for your post-travel check-up, one of our doctors will talk to you about where you’ve been and take a medical history, then carry out the appropriate tests.

We provide rapid test results so you’ll soon know if anything is wrong – and if there is, we’ll make sure you get the treatment you need.

If you want to find out more about our specialist travel clinic or comprehensive post-travel health check, simply get in touch by calling us on 0131 225 5656 or emailing  reception@your.gp .

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