Archive for category: Disease

Information and news about disease category

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Health Care for Non-Communicable Diseases Impacting Ghana

Diseases In GhanaNon-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic lung diseases and cancers, have become one of the largest burdens to worldwide health care systems. Roughly 41 million people die of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) each year, with the majority of these deaths occurring in developing countries, despite the misconception that they are most common in developed countries. While CNCDs impact people from all walks of life, those living in poverty are disproportionately affected due to the high costs of care and limited health care knowledge, making this not just a health care issue, but a socio-economic one. Lack of adequate care also leads to a higher rate of complications and premature deaths as a result of CNCDs within poorer communities.

CNCDs in Ghana

Chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana have hit epidemic proportions, accounting for nearly half of all deaths, and calls to reduce their growing health and economic burden have become increasingly urgent. The drivers of CNCDs are systemic within society and typically linked to behaviors in adolescence, with unhealthy food environments and limited access to physical health infrastructure being two pillars of the increase.

While there has been an attempt to control the rapid swell of these diseases, the August 2012 policy aimed at reducing cases of CNCDs was largely ineffective. With this policy, Ghana strove to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, and focused on strategies such as primary prevention, clinical care and strengthening the health system. However, there were many interconnected challenges which limited its efficacy. On a national level, poor awareness, inadequate coordination and a lack of funding inhibited the policy’s functioning. There was also limited attention afforded to the management of patients who already have CNCDs. In addition, on a sub-national level, inadequate clarity on translating the policy into action rendered ground-level operationalizing ineffective. What the 2012 CNCD policy made evident was the need for comprehensive structural and strategy development which focused on both preventive and curative care.

Recent Progress in CNCD Policy

Despite this, there have been fruitful strides towards constructing an overarching and effective policy to combat chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health in Ghana, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a stakeholder agreement with more than 50 people from government ministries, regulatory agencies, academia, civil society and United Nations partners to galvanize support for legal reform which promoted healthier diets and physical activity – the two pillars of prevention. This was part of Phase II of the Global Regulatory and Fiscal Capacity Building Programme (Global RECAP), a program seeking to implement measures to reduce the occurrence of NCDs by creating healthier environments.

In addition, Ghana is preparing to roll out the 2025 Global School Health Survey, a nationally representative survey aimed at gathering critical data on the personal health behaviors of school-aged adolescents. To ensure the successful implementation of the survey, a national training program has been held in Kusami for collectors and administrators, equipping them with technical knowledge, ethical guidance and practical tools for survey administration. The questionnaire includes modules on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, alcohol and drug use and the role of familial support, as well as measuring height and weight. Illustrating the importance of this initiative, Dr Pascal Mwin, Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases at the WHO Country Office, emphasized the “critical investment in building a stronger foundation for adolescent health in Ghana,” which will ultimately aid the effectiveness of the policies it will inform.

Looking Ahead

With continued aid from the WHO, there is cause for hope for encompassing and productive legislation to tackle the rising tide of chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana, foster healthier school environments and increase access to adequate health care for those living in poverty.

– Libby Foxwell

Libby is based in Sherborne, Dorset, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Diseases Impacting French Polynesia and Efforts to Combat them

Diseases Impacting French PolynesiaFrench Polynesia is an island chain nation in the South Pacific that is often described as a breathtaking tourist destination due to crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and great resorts. However in recent years, the nation has been facing an influx of public health threats. Illnesses such as dengue fever and leptospirosis have begun to create health and economic concerns. While there continues to be concern, efforts from the government, NGOs and international partners are bringing progress. These are some of the diseases impacting French Polynesia.

The Health Crisis at Hand

Dengue fever, a flu-like disease, has been a consistent issue in the region. During the 2023 outbreak, the Dengue Visual Atlas estimated there were 306 reported cases. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which thrive in warm tropical environments, spread the disease. Spiking during the rainy season because stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for the mosquitos.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that spreads via contaminated water or soil, has also caused concern. In 2023, health authorities reported 117 cases. This was substantially higher than the 12 during the same time period in 2022. Officials linked the increase to heavy flooding and rain in areas like Tahiti. Leptospirosis can have severe complications such as kidney damage, liver failure or even death if untreated.

Poverty in the country affects a lot of the outcome of disease spread. A study that the French Development Agency did in 2010 found that around 28% of the country lives in poverty, surviving on around $1,000 USD a month. A small elite population of the country also controls a disproportionate share of resources, placing even greater strain on lower income families. Many of the islands in the nation are also isolated and underdeveloped, lacking even basic health care. This causes many to travel just to receive simple treatment.

Community-Based Solutions

To combat diseases impacting French Polynesia, the nation’s government has implemented proactive and science based policies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), scientists in Tahiti are initiating a Sterile Insect Technique project of releasing sterilized male mosquitoes to combat dengue transmission. This method targets the mosquitos directly instead of using chemical pesticides, resulting in a more positive effect on the environment.

NGOs

The Institut Louis Malardé (ILM) established itself in 1949 in Tahiti, the nation’s largest island. It is a public research institute dedicated to progressing public health in French Polynesia. It initially focused on combating lymphatic filariasis. Since then, it has expanded its focus to address a spectrum of health challenges.

The ILM is a leader in research on dengue fever. Using more than 35-years of data, its researchers have developed models to analyze dengue surveillance, providing insights into immunity and transmission dynamics. The ILM has also conducted serosurveys, contributing to a larger understanding of viral circulation in the region.

Looking Ahead

French Polynesia continues to face the risks of viral infections and waterborne diseases, but its strategies are beginning to show results. Collaborative, community-based health solutions backed by data and research are helping residents stay informed and remain safe. With continued and consistent funding, ongoing education and continued cooperation, French Polynesia’s public health system will build resilience, not only with today’s epidemics and illnesses, but for future ones as well. In an isolated region with a tropical climate, health care can be challenging. The efforts are proving that prevention, rapid response and local leadership can form effective control on the diseases impacting French Polynesia.

– Brody L. Gates

Brody is based in Fort Worth, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Screening Success and HPV Vaccination in Thailand

HPV VaccinationCervical cancer is a serious global public health concern. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a strategy to reduce the number of cervical cancer cases to four per 100,000 in all populations by 2030.

The Scale of the Problem in Thailand

In Thailand, human papillomavirus (HPV) has posed a significant threat. In many cases, it is harmless, but certain strands, namely 16 and 18, can lead to aggressive forms of cervical cancer. Globally, these two strands make up 70% of cervical cancer cases. Between 2001 and 2003, there were an estimated 18.1 cases per 100,000 women. This makes cervical cancer the second most common cancer in Thailand.

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew acknowledged the threat these figures posed to women and introduced a national health strategy aligned with WHO’s 2030 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women aged 35–45 and ensuring timely detection of cervical lesions in 90% of affected women.

Success of the HPV Vaccination Scheme in Thailand

Since 2017, Thailand has offered two free doses of the HPV vaccine to all girls aged 11-12. While the country has not yet met the WHO targets, progress is clear. Before the scheme began, only 1.6% of all girls in this age group in Thailand had received the HPV vaccination; now, 83.6% have received at least one dose.

The uptake of the second dose is low. Only 59.3% have received it, but the figure is expected to rise as the national rollout scheme continues. The uptake of vaccines in the entire population is unknown, mainly due to a lack of nationwide HPV coverage data.

It is known, however, that specific communities are hesitant about the vaccine despite the rollout scheme. Studies indicate that many factors influence individuals’ decisions to receive it, including health literacy, education and socioeconomic status.

Resolving the Doubt

To tackle this hesitancy, the Thai government has launched targeted initiatives. One example is the Mother–Daughter Initiative (MDI). Mothers are encouraged to undergo cervical cancer screening, while daughters receive the HPV vaccine. Nurses and community health workers provided advocacy and education, leading to highly successful uptake rates of almost 100% in pilot districts.

Similarly, in July 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health launched a pilot initiative. It offers free single-dose HPV vaccinations to female students aged 20–26 at 24 universities, including Chulalongkorn, Mahidol and Chiang Mai. This rollout scheme resulted from surveys showing low vaccination uptake alongside limited knowledge of the disease.

Many cited cost and low perceived personal risk as reasons for lack of immunisation. These findings underscore the need for more comprehensive HPV education. However, this new program nicely complements the existing policy for girls aged 11–12, gathering data to support a potential nationwide rollout.

Expanding Cervical Cancer Screening

Screening women aged 35-60 has been a key priority alongside vaccination. It aligns with the WHO’s goal of screening 70% of women every five years through visual inspections and pap smears.

Seventy-seven percent of women have had at least one screening across Thailand. However, data indicate regular follow-up appointments are rare. Tracking is limited due to gaps in data systems. However, linking screening to ID numbers has improved follow-ups in some areas.

Overcoming Barriers

Across the country, there are clinics in every province and 186 laboratories nationwide, making screening broadly accessible. However, poverty, lack of transportation and poor road access still prevent many women from accessing these services. To improve access, the government has introduced self-administered HPV testing kits, offering greater convenience and privacy. Widespread awareness remains a challenge, however and is something that is being worked on.

While there is still work to be done, Thailand’s strategy has shown strong results. With continued effort, the country is well-positioned to meet the 2030 cervical cancer reduction goals set by the WHO.

– Niamh Trinder

Niamh is based in Leicester, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing the Cholera Outbreak in Kenya

Cholera Outbreak in KenyaSince late February 2025, six counties in Kenya have been facing a cholera outbreak. Active transmission is occurring in four counties: Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi and Turkana.

Cholera Outbreak in Kenya

The first cholera outbreak in Kenya started in 1971, with current challenges such as displacement and poor infrastructure in rural and flood-affected areas intensifying the issue. Cholera outbreaks mainly stem from two significant factors: changes in climate and inadequate access to sanitation and clean water.

Changing climatic conditions have been connected to cholera outbreaks, including rainfall variations, temperature and extreme weather events. Some Kenyans living in areas impacted by severe weather, such as floods or drought, experience displacement, leaving many without access to clean water and sanitation. Due to the complexity of these cross-border influences, it is increasingly challenging to manage cholera outbreaks.

Cholera remains a serious concern, with the most recent long-term outbreak in Kenya lasting from October 2022 to September 2024. During this period, more than 12,000 cases were reported, resulting in more than 200 deaths. With the fatality rate exceeding the global expectation of 1%, coordinated actions are essential to preventing the spread of cholera and to reducing the severity of future outbreaks.

Solution

To combat the cholera outbreak in Kenya, volunteers at the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) are leading emergency response efforts addressing flooding. Flood response teams focus on search and rescue operations and providing relief to those affected.

In addition, the KRCS partnered with the Ministry of Health to engage community members in tackling the issue. Initiatives include programs that improve knowledge and access, such as Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) deployed rapid response teams to three counties in Kenya to support local health care workers. Their work includes managing active cases through contact tracing, laboratory diagnosis and water testing. WHO also supplies cholera kits to affected areas, containing testing materials, medical equipment and essential medications. In Nairobi County alone, these kits treated an estimated 1,100 mild and severe cases.

To reduce the burden on health officials ahead of potential future outbreaks, the WHO and the Ministry of Health in 2024 trained and deployed 120 workers to high-risk counties, equipping them with the tools to treat cholera cases.

Conclusion

With recent history showing prolonged outbreaks and devastating weather events, the ongoing cholera outbreak in Kenya highlights the need for urgent and sustained action. Displacement, lack of access to sanitation and clean water, along with insufficient infrastructure, continue to drive the spread of cholera, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, coordinated efforts from organizations like the KRCS and the WHO offer hope.

Kenya is taking meaningful steps toward managing this crisis through emergency response and long-term efforts. These include community engagement, training health workers and improving water and sanitation systems. Continued support and investment can help Kenya and surrounding countries break the cycle of recurring outbreaks to build resilience against future public health threats.

– Grace Johnson

Grace is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Diseases Impacting Barbados

Diseases Impacting BarbadosBarbados is a small island nation located in the Caribbean. It is located in the Lesser Antilles, specifically the Windward Islands chain. It has a population of a little above 220,000 people. Barbados is known for being the home country of singer Rihanna, its beautiful, pristine beaches and its rum. However, many diseases are impacting Barbados, making life difficult for its citizens.

Noncommunicable Diseases in Barbados

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in Barbados. According to the Global Food Research Program, NCDs accounted for 83% of all deaths in 2016. The primary reason for this is the high consumption rate of sugary drinks. Diseases such as obesity are rising in Barbados.

However, the country is taking steps to fight against the prevalence of NCDs. In 2015, the country implemented a 10% tax on sugary drinks, which increased to 20% in 2022. The country also passed the National School Nutrition Policy, which improved the food quality in Barbadian schools, added measures relating to proper physical activity for students and promoted community health.

In 2023, an estimated 6.9% of Barbadians aged 15 and older used tobacco and 67.2% of people in this age group were either overweight or obese. Nearly 43% of the population reported insufficient physical activity. About 34.6% of Barbadian women and 17.1% of Barbadian men were overweight or obese.

Additionally, 24.4% of the population aged 18 and older reported high blood pressure in 2015. And in 2014, 12.2% of the population 18 and older reported having diabetes mellitus.

Infectious Diseases in Barbados

Barbados also deals with infectious diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists Barbados as a country with a frequent or continuous risk of dengue. There was a dengue outbreak in the country in 2023-2024, with 3,303 cases. There were also eight confirmed cases of chikungunya in 2024. Diseases caused by mosquito bites (such as dengue and chikungunya) are prevalent across the Caribbean.

Since Barbados is a small island nation, outbreaks of infectious diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika can have particularly big impacts on the country’s health care system and its economic productivity.

Barbados’ economy relies on tourism. An outbreak of infectious diseases might discourage tourists from visiting, causing economic loss for the country and its locals. Diseases impacting Barbados impact not just the country’s public health, but also its economy.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Barbados has taken steps to combat these infectious diseases. The ministry engages in public mosquito control and active disease surveillance to prevent/manage outbreaks.

Conclusion

Barbados is currently dealing with both communicable diseases and NCDs. A significant percentage of Barbadians are dealing with obesity. In addition, the country periodically experiences outbreaks of infectious (primarily mosquito-borne) diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. These diseases impacting Barbados might adversely affect the country’s health care, economy and quality of life.

However, the government has programs to fight these diseases. The government has instituted a 20% tax on sugary drinks and implemented school programs promoting proper nutrition and physical activity. It also engages in programs such as mosquito control and disease surveillance to fight infectious diseases.

– Samriddha Aryal

Samriddha is based in Centreville, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Polio in India: The Impacts of the 2025–2026 GPSAP

Polio in IndiaIndia, in the past, has had a long battle with Polio. Polio mostly affected children in India and the peak was reached in 2000, when 1,600 people were infected, the majority of them children. Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, no matter how many vaccines were created, polio remained a rampant problem in India.

The last known case in India was in Howrah, West Bengal, in 2011. India was officially declared polio-free in 2014 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Polio has affected people in India in both the past and present, with many still living with lifelong complications from the disease, such as paralysis in children.

How It Became a National Issue

Polio in India became widespread due to poor hygiene, including the use of unclean water and limited sanitation infrastructure in rural communities. Contaminated water contributes to unhygienic conditions, often because people live in poverty and environments that harm their health.

Many cannot escape these conditions, surviving on less than $3.25 a day. Statistics show that between 1993 and 2004, India had an average poverty rate of 96.8%, with more than half the population lacking access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.

How the GPSAP 2025-2026 Will Benefit India

Over the past decade, the country has taken many steps to prevent polio from re-emerging as a major issue. These efforts include making vaccines more accessible, reducing poverty rates and improving access to clean water. The Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan (GPSAP) 2025–2026 focuses on timely detection, allowing cases of polio in specific areas of India to be identified immediately. One strategy for eradicating polio involves stool testing. If a potential virus is detected, the goal is to prevent delays in identifying and responding to cases.

The second step of action involves researching gender differences, specifically, how men and women may experience different symptoms of polio and how these differences could affect them or their children. Participants would be divided by gender and age, with men and women separated and children younger and above the age of 15 for testing. Research suggests that men may be at risk of transmitting polio through sexual intercourse. At the same time, women face an increased risk during pregnancy, especially in areas with limited health care access.

If Polio Is Eradicated, Why Take These Measures?

Although polio has been eradicated in India, it has not been eliminated in all countries. Since a virus causes polio, it can spread across borders through contaminated water, saliva or other bodily fluids. The GPSAP 2025–2026 plan is important because it helps ensure that polio does not return to India. If a case does emerge, strict measures will be taken to prevent its reestablishment in the country.

– Erin Lee

Erin is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Mobile Vaccination in Nigeria is Saving Kids Lives

mobile vaccination in nigeriaNigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and it has the second-highest number of children who have not received any vaccines in the world. But it’s addressing this problem with mobile vaccination teams. While there is still a long way to go, mobile vaccination in Nigeria has proven to be very successful.

What Are Zero-Dose Children?

Children who have not received any vaccinations are referred to as zero-dose children. These children make up a substantial portion of preventable deaths in children worldwide. Most zero-dose children live in lower and middle-income countries.

Globally, “Nigeria has one of the highest proportions of zero-dose children.” In 2021, experts estimated that more than 2.2 million zero-dose children were in the country. The children of teenage and young mothers are particularly likely to be zero-dose children.

There are many reasons parents do not vaccinate their children. The majority of zero-dose children in Nigeria are born to poor families. As a result, they often live in an area where a health center is not readily accessible. Meaning they have to pay for transportation to the health center, something many of them can not afford to do. This need to travel also means that parents must take a day off from work, meaning lost wages.

Another common reason is misinformation about vaccines and their safety. Young mothers face extra challenges, and many avoid traditional health centers due to stigmatization and hostility from other mothers there as well as the health care workers. The social stigma that comes with being a young mother prevents them from returning after their first visit.

Mobile Vaccination in Nigeria is Working

Several steps make up mobile vaccination in Nigeria. Step one is identifying an area with a high number of zero-dose children. In Nigeria, vaccination of children is “lowest in the north,” according to the New Incentives. This knowledge, together with short surveys of areas, gives decision makers real-time data on the vaccination status of children.

Step two is providing parents with correct information about vaccines and their importance. That includes talking about possible side effects and addressing misinformation about vaccines. The final step is vaccinating the children. All of this requires working with the local communities and their leaders.

Mobile vaccination in Nigeria has proven to be very effective. One study found that thanks to mobile vaccination, six states in Northern Nigeria saw an average increase in fully immunized children aged 12–23 months, from 19% to 55%.

Conclusion

Mobile vaccination in Nigeria has been proven to be effective and is saving lives. While there is still more work to do, particularly with the children of young mothers, this is a fantastic start. With continued use of mobile vaccination and strong leadership, Nigeria can help save more lives.

– Axtin Bullock

Axtin is based in Georgetown MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Outbreak of Foot-And-Mouth Disease in South Africa

Foot-And-Mouth Disease in South AfricaThe meat industry is vital to South Africa’s economy and agricultural sector. Karan Beef, the continent’s largest integrated beef producer, is recognized for its halal certifications and strong food safety practices. Recently, all three of its feedlots, among the largest in South Africa, tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease, potentially affecting around more than 100,000 cattle. As the country’s leading beef exporter, Karan Beef significantly contributes to the national economy. Its operations support domestic food security, generate thousands of jobs and sustain local businesses.

Foot-And-Mouth Disease in South Africa

Foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. It causes fever, painful blisters in the mouth and feet and can lead to severe weight loss and reduced milk production. The virus spreads rapidly through direct contact or contaminated materials.

Due to the outbreak, there has been a pause in production, which has caused price shocks. Authorities have also placed export bans, which have impacted the financial stability of already struggling livelihoods within the beef sector. Karan Beef is in decline, causing a huge economic disruption that is affecting producers and consumers in a country already experiencing financial hardship.

Foot-and-mouth disease is impacting South African livestock, driving up domestic meat prices for consumers and food businesses. This inflation hits low-income households hardest, as they spend a significant portion of their income on groceries. In response, industry stakeholders are urging the government to declare a formal state of disaster to access emergency financial support.

The ongoing quarantine cuts off farmers’ income, often their sole livelihood, while livestock losses push many deeper into poverty. In South African culture, cattle are not only a source of income but also serve as collateral, dowries and emergency assets. This crisis is delivering a severe blow to the meat industry and threatening multiple social and economic stability layers.

Vaccination Program

On June 19, 2025, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the arrival of the first batch of 900,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Botswana to help stabilize the livestock sector and restore trade flows. A few days later, on June 23, he visited one of Karan Beef’s facilities to launch the feedlot-level vaccination drive. Authorities hope the campaign will contain the outbreak, protect livestock and prevent further economic fallout.

The Future

As foot-and-mouth disease affects South African livestock, the government plans to build long-term local vaccine production in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council. The Department of Agriculture is also working closely with industry stakeholders to coordinate rapid response strategies, strengthen surveillance systems and improve outbreak control measures.

Meanwhile, health agencies are actively importing and distributing these vaccines to the most affected areas. If everything goes according to plan, Karan Beef production should soon be back on track.

– Emily Herlehy

Emily Herlehy is based in Denton, Texas, U.S.A and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Zzapp Malaria Uses AI Technology To Fight Malaria in Africa

Zzapp MalariaEvery year, malaria sickens millions and kills hundreds of thousands worldwide, with most cases concentrated in Africa. In 2023 alone, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and nearly 600,000 deaths, with children aged 5 and less accounting for about 76% of those deaths.

Despite decades of progress, including a 38% reduction in malaria incidence and a 60% drop in mortality from 2000 to 2022, gains have stalled. Challenges such as drug and insecticide resistance, underfunding and changing climatic conditions continue to hamper efforts. As traditional tools fall short, technology to fight malaria is becoming increasingly vital.

AI as a Solution

Malaria has been eliminated in several countries that are able to carry out comprehensive control operations, particularly by targeting mosquito breeding grounds in stagnant water bodies. However, such interventions require significant investment.

To overcome these barriers, innovative initiatives like Zzapp Malaria are using technology to fight malaria. They are transforming control operations with AI and mobile tools to offer scalable, cost-effective solutions to one of Africa’s most persistent public health threats.

How Zzapp Malaria Works

Zzapp Malaria is an Israeli nonprofit startup. It uses AI-driven software to plan and execute malaria control operations, particularly larviciding and house spraying, in low-resource and urban settings across Africa.

Its approach combines several key steps:

  • Planning and mapping. Neural networks analyze satellite images to detect homes, stagnant water areas and breeding hotspots, incorporating climate and topographic data to determine optimal intervention timing.
  • Task allocation. The platform segments areas into grids and assigns them to field workers through its mobile app.
  • Field operations. App-guided teams map, sample and treat water bodies with larvicides or sprays, with real-time data optimizing interventions.
  • Monitoring. The system flags areas with insufficient treatment or high mosquito levels for rapid response.

The app works offline, supports low-end smartphones and uses icons for low-literacy users. It recognizes traditional huts and modern homes and training is simple. For many field workers, using the app is their first digital experience, empowering them with new skills.

Proven Impact and Cost-Effectiveness

  • Obuasi, Ghana. In partnership with the AngloGold Malaria Control Program (AG­AMaL), Zzapp Malaria piloted its system in 2017. A 2018 randomized controlled trial showed app-guided teams detected 28% more breeding sites with more than 90% coverage than standard methods. By 2020, a full-scale operation reduced mosquito populations by 60% in less than four months at $0.20 per person protected, compared to about $5 for traditional spraying.
  • São Tomé and Príncipe. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Zzapp Malaria conducted an eight month-long larviciding operation covering 166,000 people across 240 square kilometers. Results included a 75% reduction in mosquitoes, malaria cases cut by more than half and an average cost of $0.86 per person protected, dropping to $0.44 in urban areas — about twice as cost-effective as bed nets.

Zzapp Malaria remains active in Ghana, São Tomé and Príncipe and has expanded to Mozambique, Zanzibar in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya. Its pilots have reached 500,000 people, with expansion agreements aiming for at least five million.

Recent Developments

  • Ghana. In April 2025, The Ghanaian Times reported that AGAMal and Zzapp Malaria’s tools reduced malaria prevalence to about 1% in Obuasi East.
  • Mozambique. Following a successful pilot in Maputo with Mozambique’s National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) and Goodbye Malaria, Zzapp Malaria is preparing a nationwide urban rollout.
  • Zanzibar. Drone integration trials are underway, using drone maps and LiDAR to identify breeding sites. Zanzibar’s Ministry of Health has implemented this project as part of the spatial intelligence system funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC).

Why Zzapp Malaria’s Solutions Matter

Despite large global investments, conventional tools often fall short and progress has stalled. Technology to fight malaria, like Zzapp Malaria, enables task-shifting to community health workers while enhancing surveillance, diagnosis and treatment. Its AI-powered mapping, targeted larviciding and drone-assisted detection fill key gaps:

  • Cost-effective interventions. Optimize resources where funding is limited.
  • Complementary strategies. Strengthen existing interventions facing resistance.
  • Enhanced operations. Improve data-driven decision-making in challenging contexts.

Zzapp Malaria exemplifies the transformative potential of technology to fight malaria through digital health solutions:

  • Technology as a solution. AI and drones directly reduce mosquito populations and malaria cases.
  • Scalability and cost-effectiveness. Proven impact at minimal cost.
  • Empowerment. Tools designed for low-literacy, low-infrastructure settings democratize access.
  • Evidence-based results. Peer-reviewed studies and credible media confirm its effectiveness.

In a world where malaria continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year, Zzapp Malaria shows how technology to fight malaria can provide scalable, cost-effective solutions to one of the world’s most persistent health challenges.

– Jacobo L. Esteban

Jacobo is based in Cali, Colombia and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Combating Dengue Fever in Indonesia

Dengue Fever in IndonesiaDengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, causes severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and in extreme cases, death. This disease, often simply called dengue, is endemic in Indonesia, where it kills hundreds of people annually. Dengue cases spiked in 2024, forcing Indonesia to address the growing public health issue.

According to the Indonesian Health Ministry, nearly 250,000 Indonesians contracted dengue in 2024. The virus claimed 1,418 lives that year. Despite a swift government response that continues through today, dengue remains a serious public health threat. By examining how Indonesia is combating dengue fever in impoverished communities, we can also learn how to fight it in other countries.

How Dengue Fever Impacts Impoverished Communities in Indonesia

Mosquitoes easily infiltrate the porous, open housing common in Indonesia’s low-income communities, making it easier for dengue to spread. Families in these areas are also more likely to work outdoors, increasing their exposure to mosquitoes, unlike higher-income earners who often work in air-conditioned offices. Although Indonesian law mandates paid sick leave for all workers, including those with dengue, deaths still occur.

For struggling families, the loss of income from illness can be financially devastating and the death of a loved one brings intense emotional pain. Severe dengue cases often come with high out-of-pocket medical costs. When hospitalizations surge, public hospitals, relied on by low-income communities, can become overcrowded. This strains medical staff and reduces their ability to treat other life-threatening conditions, leading to increased deaths even when dengue itself is under control.

What Indonesia Did To Combat Dengue Fever in 2024

  1. Multisource Collaborative Surveillance. This sophisticated system enables public health professionals to collect and analyze diverse data sources. It allows for a more accurate prediction of where disease outbreaks, like dengue fever, may occur. This approach plays a critical role in Indonesia’s efforts to fight dengue, especially in low-income communities.
  2. Wolbachia Mosquito Technology. The government of Indonesia has begun using Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry a bacterium that reduces the virus’s ability to replicate. This initiative is part of a broader government plan to achieve zero dengue deaths by 2030.
  3. The 3 Ms Program. The Indonesian government continues to promote this strategy as a practical way for communities to help control the spread of dengue. Citizens are encouraged to drain water containers regularly, cover water storage and recycle items that can collect standing water, which serves as a mosquito breeding ground.
  4. Vaccination. Indonesia has rolled out dengue vaccinations in local schools, targeting children as a key prevention group. Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent severe dengue infections. The QDENGA vaccine, used in the country’s efforts, is developed by Takeda, a Japanese biopharmaceutical company with more than 70 years of industry experience.

Summary

Indonesia is tackling dengue fever in low-income communities through advanced technology and community-based solutions. From Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes and data-driven surveillance to school vaccinations and the 3 Ms Program, the country targets the virus and the conditions that allow it to spread. Though challenges persist, these efforts offer a practical model for other countries battling dengue.

– Jeff Mathwig

Jeff is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash