Avoid The Bite
Seafarers face a wide variety of hazards unique to their chosen profession. Unfortunately this does not mean that they are immune to the problems affecting the remainder of the population. Malaria has always been one of the world´s biggest killers yet, all too often, the dangers are not recognised by ship’s companies or the seafarers themselves.
Seafarers face a wide variety of hazards unique to their chosen profession. Unfortunately this does not mean that they are immune to the problems affecting the remainder of the population. Malaria has always been one of the world’s biggest killers yet, all too often, the dangers are not recognised by ship’s companies or the seafarers themselves.
Avoid the Bite is an easy to understand new programme from Videotel Marine International. It focuses on malaria, the risks, symptoms, treatment and various ways of prevention that will encourage individuals to take responsibility for the avoidance of malaria and seek medical help if concerned. Using a mix of animation, documentary footage, photos and graphics, Avoid the Bite challenges those who say ‘it won’t happen to me’ and breaks down many of the myths, challenges and ignorance that surround the disease and its prevention.
“Seafarers are particularly at risk from contracting malaria,” explains Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel. “Their job often takes them into malarial zones far from medical help and they may be at higher risk if they have not taken immunity medication. In addition, if they board a vessel which has not sailed near a malarial zone but have already contracted malaria, the symptoms are such that it can be difficult for anyone onboard to make the correct diagnosis and action the appropriate medical response.”
Avoid the Bite was developed specifically to raise awareness about malaria on merchant vessels and to outline preventive measures, symptoms and treatment for seafarers. It is aimed at all crew, and includes a section specifically for Masters, senior officers and shore-based staff.
It is a factual, hard-hitting yet highly watchable and informative video which will help change attitudes and save lives. The programme is available in DVD with supporting workbook, interactive CD-ROM, or through Videotel’s innovative new Videotel on Demand (VOD) system.
