The Burden of Malaria in Africa: Myths, risk factors and Strategic Interventions

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide, with Africa bearing the highest burden of the disease. In this article, we will explore the burden of malaria in Africa, risk factors, regions significantly impacted, strategic interventions employed by various African countries to curb the spread of malaria, myths and impact of malaria on pregnant women, prevention and treatment of malaria.

The Burden of Malaria in Africa:

Malaria is a major public health problem in Africa, with over 90% of global malaria cases occurring in the continent. In 2020, Africa accounted for 94% of all malaria deaths, with children under the age of five and pregnant women being the most vulnerable. Malaria contributes to poverty, underdevelopment, and loss of productivity in affected areas.

Causes and Predisposing Factors:

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Several factors contribute to the transmission of malaria in Africa, including climate, geography, socio-economic conditions, and access to healthcare. The disease is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, inadequate housing, and stagnant water bodies.

Several risk factors contribute to the transmission and prevalence of malaria in Africa, including:

Climate: Malaria is prevalent in areas with warm temperatures and high humidity, making sub-Saharan Africa an ideal environment for the transmission of the disease.
Geography: The geography of Africa, with its extensive water bodies, marshy areas, and forests, provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the primary vector of the disease.
Socio-economic factors: Poverty, poor housing conditions, and inadequate sanitation contribute to the transmission of malaria in Africa. These conditions create an environment that is conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes and limit access to preventive measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial drugs.
Limited access to healthcare: Many people in Africa lack access to quality healthcare, including diagnostic testing and treatment for malaria. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of severe disease and mortality.
Population movements: Population movements, such as migration and travel, can contribute to the spread of malaria. People moving from high-transmission areas to low-transmission areas can introduce the disease into new populations, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Vector control: Inadequate vector control measures, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, contribute to the transmission of malaria in Africa.
Resistance to antimalarial drugs: Resistance to antimalarial drugs is a growing problem in Africa, limiting the effectiveness of treatment and increasing the risk of severe disease and mortality.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a significant risk factor for malaria, with malnourished individuals being more susceptible to severe disease and mortality.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria due to changes in their immune system, and malaria can lead to adverse outcomes such as maternal anemia, stillbirth, and low birth weight.

Regions Significantly Impacted:

Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden of malaria in the world, accounting for 96% of all malaria cases and deaths. Within Africa, the disease is most prevalent in West and Central Africa, followed by East and Southern Africa.

Myths surrounding malaria in Africa

Myths surrounding malaria in Africa can be dangerous as they can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions about the disease, leading to inadequate prevention and treatment. Here are some common myths about malaria in Africa and the answers to them:

Myth 1: Malaria is not a serious disease.

Answer: Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease that can cause severe anemia, respiratory distress, and kidney failure. It can also lead to complications during pregnancy, such as stillbirth and preterm delivery.

Myth 2: Malaria is only prevalent in rural areas.

Answer: Malaria is prevalent in both rural and urban areas in Africa, and anyone living in or traveling to endemic areas is at risk of contracting the disease.

Myth 3: Malaria is caused by drinking unclean water.

Answer: Malaria is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, not by drinking unclean water.

Myth 4: Malaria can be cured by traditional medicine.

Answer: Traditional medicine may have some benefits, but it is not a substitute for antimalarial drugs. It is essential to seek proper medical attention for malaria.

Myth 5: Malaria can only be prevented by using insecticides.

Answer: Insecticides are one of the prevention measures for malaria, but they are not the only method. Other measures such as using insecticide-treated bed nets, clearing stagnant water, and wearing protective clothing can also prevent malaria.

Myth 6: Only children are at risk of contracting malaria.

Answer: Although children under the age of five are more vulnerable to malaria, anyone living in or traveling to endemic areas is at risk of contracting the disease.

Myth 7: Malaria can be transmitted from person to person.

Answer: Malaria cannot be transmitted from person to person. It is only transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Note: it is essential to dispel myths surrounding malaria in Africa and educate people on the facts of the disease. Adequate prevention and treatment are crucial in reducing the burden of malaria on the African continent.

Strategic Interventions:

Several African countries have implemented strategic interventions to curb the spread of malaria, including insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial drugs. Other interventions include community mobilization, health education, and surveillance systems. These interventions have contributed to a decline in malaria cases and deaths in some African countries.

Impact on Pregnant Women:

Malaria poses a significant risk to pregnant women, leading to adverse outcomes such as maternal anemia, stillbirth, and low birth weight. Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria due to changes in their immune system and increased exposure to mosquitoes.

Mortality Rate:

Malaria is responsible for a significant number of deaths in Africa, with an estimated 384,000 deaths in 2020. Children under the age of five and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to malaria, with an estimated 260,000 deaths occurring in children under the age of five.

Prevention and Treatment:

Prevention and treatment of malaria involve a combination of strategies, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial drugs. Other preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, avoiding mosquito bites, and clearing stagnant water bodies.

It is essential to address these risk factors to reduce the burden of malaria in Africa. Preventive measures such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial drugs, coupled with improved access to healthcare and education, can contribute to the control and elimination of malaria in Africa.