Horizon Season 2005 Episode 11 Malaria: Defeating the Curse

In the Horizon season 2005 episode 11, titled "Malaria: Defeating the Curse," the show explores the ongoing battle against malaria, a disease that kills over a million people every year. The episode begins by explaining what malaria is, how it's spread, and why it's so deadly.

The show then delves into the history of malaria, with a focus on how it was once thought to be caused by bad air, hence the name "malaria," which means "bad air" in Italian. We learn about the discovery of the true cause of malaria - the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Next, the show highlights some of the efforts that have been made to combat malaria over the years. We see footage of scientists at work in labs, as well as interviews with doctors and researchers who are on the front lines of the fight against this disease. The show also touches on the challenges that come with trying to control malaria, such as the fact that the parasite is constantly evolving and developing resistance to drugs.

One of the most interesting parts of this episode is when the show explores some of the innovative approaches that are being taken to combat malaria. For example, we see footage of genetically modified mosquitoes that have been engineered to be resistant to the malaria parasite. The hope is that these mosquitoes could eventually be released into the wild, replacing the old, disease-carrying mosquitoes and effectively wiping out the disease.

Another approach that the show examines is the use of bed nets treated with insecticides. We see how these nets are distributed to people in malaria-prone areas and how they can drastically reduce the incidence of the disease. However, we also learn about some of the challenges associated with widespread distribution of these nets, such as the fact that they can be difficult to use consistently.

The show also covers some of the cultural and socio-economic factors that contribute to the spread of malaria. For example, we see how poverty, lack of education, and poor infrastructure can all make it more difficult for people to protect themselves from the disease. The show doesn't shy away from the fact that malaria is often a disease of the poor, but it does highlight some of the ways in which progress is being made towards making treatments and prevention measures more accessible to everyone.

Overall, this episode of Horizon offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the ongoing fight against malaria. While the subject matter can be grim at times, the show manages to remain hopeful, emphasizing the progress that has been made in recent years and the potential for even greater strides in the future. Whether you're interested in science, medicine, or global health issues in general, this episode is definitely worth a watch.