MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria
(Posted on 25/04/25)
Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers, whose work inherently involves frequent travel.
Crews are one of the most susceptible groups to this mosquito-borne disease, which can lead to serious side effects such as fever, muscle pain, convulsions, and in some cases, death.
With the observance of World Malaria Day today, Dr Jens Tülsner, CEO and Founder of Marine Medical Solutions (MMS), an affiliate of OneCare Group (OCG), highlights the importance of malaria prevention in the maritime industry and solutions to avoid it.
“Everybody was very sensitive and alerted about the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, but we often forget that there are still ongoing epidemics, and malaria is one of them,” said Dr Tülsner. “Unfortunately, we do face fatalities even amongst seafarers every year caused by malaria.”
Dr Tülsner emphasised the need for seafarers to be informed when entering high-risk areas, such as ports in Sub-Saharan Africa and other subtropical regions. Ship managers should implement preventative measures, raise awareness, enable onboard rapid testing, provide insect repellents to deter infection, and ensure an appropriate stock of medication for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
Said Dr Tülsner: “What we, as a telemedical service provider, observe is that we often suffer from a lack of diagnostic tools. It’s always up to us, in collaboration with our clients, to find the right balance between the frequency of occurrence, potential risk, and the investment required to reduce the risk or even eliminate it altogether.”
The maritime industry must remain consistent and proactive in malaria prevention. Without this, seafarers will continue to face avoidable risks, affecting their health and safety at sea.
Latest News
Columbia expects significant growth as more owners shift operations to the UAE
(Posted on 09/12/25)Columbia Group anticipates a period of strong expansion as an increasing number of international shipowners... Read more
Norse Ship Management emerges as digital leader among new-generation ship managers
(Posted on 09/12/25)Norse?Ship Management has expanded its use of Smart Ship Hub’s high frequency sensor data and... Read more
Maritime health experts welcome STCW amendments, but urge against checkbox compliance
(Posted on 09/12/25)As the maritime industry gears up to welcome the IMO’s STCW bullying and harassment training amendments... Read more
NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime
(Posted on 02/12/25)NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more
IMO delay could spark fragmentation risks, warns EmissionLink
(Posted on 02/12/25)Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, has warned the IMO’s decision to delay... Read more
VIKAND highlights bullying and harassment as major mental health concern
(Posted on 02/12/25)VIKAND has highlighted the need for cultural change in the maritime sector as reports of bullying, harassment... Read more
DNV and WMMF guide to support shipowners' path to net-zero
(Posted on 24/11/25)The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving... Read more
NorthStandard takes prudent position on P&I premiums
(Posted on 24/11/25)NorthStandard has advised Members of a 5% increase in P&I premiums for the marine insurance year... Read more
Anemoi completes Rotor Sail installation on NS United bulk carrier
(Posted on 15/11/25)Anemoi Marine Technologies, the UK-based leading designer of Rotor Sails for wind-assisted ship propulsion... Read more
LR and Marshall Islands certify Helm CONNECT electronic record books
(Posted on 14/11/25)Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been... Read more
