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How house design can curb childhood illnesses in Africa

The rate of malaria and diarrhea dropped in children living in experimental houses in Tanzania

Children walk along a dirt road in Tanzania past a two-story house with screened openings. A more traditional one story house with a thatched roof can be seen next door.

In a town in Tanzania, a specially designed two-story home sits next to a traditional one. Housing design can help protect children in Africa against killer childhood diseases such malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhea, a new study shows.

Julian Lanoo

By Tawanda Karombo

Houses with screens, rainwater-collection systems and cement floors could be a powerful tool in the fight against childhood diseases in Africa.