Malaria Crisis in Africa: Rising Cases, Vaccine Progress, and Climate Change Threats

Malaria, a disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, remains prevalent in Africa. The parasite can lead to symptoms like fever, headaches, and chills, primarily impacting young children and pregnant women.

Efforts to develop a malaria vaccine are still in their early stages, with Cameroon pioneering the routine administration of a new malaria vaccine to children. However, instances of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides are on the rise, while funding for innovation is dwindling.

Poor living conditions, including overcrowded neighborhoods, stagnant water, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to treatment and prevention resources, exacerbate the issue. The World Health Organization reports a rise in malaria cases from 233 million in 2019 to 249 million across 85 countries in 2022, with malaria-related deaths increasing from 576,000 to 608,000 during the same period. Of the 12 countries bearing around 70% of the global malaria burden, 11 are in Africa, with India accounting for the remaining share. In Africa, children under 5 comprised 80% of the 580,000 malaria deaths recorded in 2022.

Efforts to combat malaria have seen some advancements in rapid diagnostic tests, vaccines, and new insecticide-resistant bed nets. However, the fight against malaria faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a shift in focus and funding. A study published in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease last year revealed that COVID-19-induced lockdowns disrupted operations at 30% of rural community health service points across Africa. Consequently, malaria cases began to rise again, breaking a declining trend observed between 2000 and 2019.

Africa finds itself particularly vulnerable to climate change, with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events posing challenges in malaria control efforts in low- and middle-income regions. In 2023, the World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report featured a chapter on the correlation between malaria and climate change for the first time, underscoring its importance as a potential risk multiplier.