Archive for category: Malaria

Information and stories about malaria.

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Poverty and Malaria Vaccine Price Cuts

Poverty and MalariaMalaria remains one the world’s deadliest diseases, disproportionately affecting children in Africa. Global health organizations achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against this life-threatening infection in 2023 by rolling out the world’s first malaria vaccine: manufacturers have now slashed the price of this vaccine, along with a second approved vaccine, and it could be an important step in relieving the socioeconomic burden of the disease across the African continent.

In late 2025, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and children’s agency UNICEF struck a pricing deal to cut the cost of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine to $2.99 USD from around $4. Analysts project that these reductions will unlock 30 million extra doses before 2030, protecting around 7 million children. This monumental pricing deal follows on from another cost reduction that Bharat Biotech and GSK announced in June of 2025, stating that they will progressively reduce the price of the RTS,S malaria vaccine by half, falling to less than $5 USD per dose.

A Crucial Vaccination Effort

Researchers initially struggled to develop an effective malaria vaccine: vaccines train the immune system to recognize proteins on the surfaces of infectious agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses). The infectious agent associated with malaria is Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite that can evade the immune system and change its surface proteins throughout its life cycle, thus finding a suitable vaccine to target the parasite became complicated.

When researchers achieved clinical breakthroughs in 2004 and refined a vaccine formula, it was time to move to human trials. The newly-named ‘RTS,S/AS01’ vaccine was administered to groups of young children across sub-Saharan Africa in the first rounds of human testing.

Trials ran from 2004 until 2015 and concluded that three doses of RTS,S was enough to reduce clinical malaria cases in children by up to 39%. In January 2024, a mass roll-out of the RTS,S vaccine began in Cameroon and authorities soon followed it with the distribution of the more cost-effective vaccine, R21/Matrix-M. Now, RTS,S and R21 vaccinations form part of routine childhood immunizations in more than 20 African countries, acting as a crucial tool for protecting children against deadly infections.

The Importance of Equitable Pricing in Immunization

Many factors influence the pricing of a vaccine introduced into the market, including patent protection, production cost and volume of contract. Notably, there is a positive correlation between a country’s Gross National Income (GNI) and the price point at which suppliers sell a dosage within the country- this is known as tiered pricing.

Rather than selling a vaccine at a flat rate, pharmaceutical companies use tiered pricing to charge high-income countries a higher price per dosage to balance affordability in lower-income markets, cover research and development (R&D) costs and generate profit. This improves the accessibility of vaccines regardless of geographical location and socioeconomic status.

However, malaria is a disease that primarily affects the Global South, therefore the market for the RTS,S and R21 vaccines for high-income countries in the Global North was almost non-existent. The typical vaccine development model and tiered pricing system could not be implemented, and external organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, filled the funding gaps.

The introduction of the second-ever malaria vaccine, R21, improved vaccine equity through accessibility: the formula has a lower concentration of antigens (the active ingredient in vaccines) whilst maintaining its efficacy, which drastically cuts manufacturing costs. Doses of R21 are better adapted to the African climate because of less strict requirements in cold chain storage and transport, reducing accidental wastage and ensuring more children receive protective immunization.

The Socioeconomic Impact of Immunity

The relationship between malaria and socioeconomic status can be considered bi-directional: malaria infection and recovery minimizes a person’s ability to work, attend school or perform caregiving duties, increasing the risk of experiencing poverty. Conversely, those living in poor conditions without access to adequate sanitation or health care face a higher risk of malaria infection and suffering more severe disease outcomes.

Therefore, immunity can break the cycle of poverty and malaria. As a whole, every $1 USD spent on vaccines saves between $16-44 USD on treatments and broader economic implications of disease. Driving down the price of each dose improves vaccine equity, ensuring that communities most affected by extreme poverty and seasonal malaria spikes will be among those protected.

However, immunization alone is not enough to decrease the malaria burden across the African continent. Research from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, demonstrates that the RTS,S vaccine is around 63% effective as a prevention tool, but when used in combination with insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), efficacy rises to 93%. Studies have shown that the malaria vaccine is least effective in children who come from low socioeconomic status households, this is likely due to a lack of health care access which prevents children from completing all three immunizations along with preventative SMC treatments.

What Will the Future of Malaria Vaccination Look Like?

More and more African countries are adopting affordable malaria vaccine strategies, and keeping this momentum will be the key to imagining a malaria-free future. Community engagement has proven to be a highly successful strategy in effort to relieve concerns regarding the vaccine’s safety and cost. In the early stages of vaccine roll-out in Cameroon, parents initially responded to the scheme with hesitancy: community and religious leaders drove up vaccine demand by encouraging open discussions at community meetings and disseminating misinformation. Following the success of Cameroon’s vaccination campaign, global health partners have adopted this person-led strategy by connecting with community leaders and technical experts directly.

Gavi has predicted that immunizing around 50 million children against malaria before 2030 could save more than 170,000 lives. An increasing number of children will have the opportunity to complete their education uninterrupted by disease and parents will be relieved of the costly burdens of caregiving and clinical treatments. African governments and communities have responded to the agreement to slash malaria vaccine prices with great optimism and will be a huge step in protecting the most vulnerable populations from poverty.

– Charlotte Bunn

Charlotte is based in Bristol, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Combating Malaria in Rohingya Refugee Camps

Malaria in Rohingya RefugeeMalaria has been a threat to the Rohingya refugee population living in crowded, resource-limited camps in Bangladesh for years. Currently, about 1.3 million Rohingya refugees remain in temporary shelters, where conditions are ideal for mosquito breeding and the rapid spread of disease. Yet despite these challenges, coordinated efforts between local authorities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and health agencies have led to significant progress in combating malaria in Rohingya refugee camps.

Malaria in Rohingya Refugee Camps: 5 Key Facts

Here are five key facts about how collaboration is helping protect vulnerable families from malaria:

  1. Distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets. Bangladesh’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), in partnership with BRAC and supported by the Global Fund, has expanded access to long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), distributing 350,000 LLINs to Rohingya refugees between 2021 and 2024. While endemic Bangladeshi districts have reached the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmark of about one LLIN for every two people, coverage among the Rohingya population falls short. Only 44.3% had sufficient coverage, and utilization rates were significantly lower, with 65.7% sleeping under LLINs. The study notes that although LLIN distribution efforts have been successful, supply remains inadequate, and further improvements are necessary to fully protect vulnerable communities and sustain malaria elimination progress.
  2. Rapid Diagnostic Tests Ensure Early Detection and Treatment. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) remain one of the strongest tools in combating malaria in the Rohingya refugee camps. RDTs formed the backbone of detection between 2017 and 2020. During this period, 30,460 individuals were tested as part of routine health care in the Kutupalong Registered Camp and Nayapara Mega Camp. The study found very few malaria cases and no deaths among 86,490 Rohingya refugees in two camps, showing how fast, accessible RDT-based diagnosis prevents severe illness and stops transmission in densely populated settings.
  3. Community-Led Efforts in Combating Malaria. Environmental conditions in the Rohingya camps play a major role in malaria transmission, and waste mismanagement has become a critical threat. The camps generate more than 10,000 tons of solid waste per month, about 460 grams per person per day. With no formal system, waste is often dumped in open areas where it clogs drainage channels, causes flooding and contaminates soil and water. These conditions increase respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases and vector-borne diseases such as malaria. To address this crisis, Community Partners International (CPI) launched a community-led waste management program in Kutupalong Camp, where trained refugee volunteers collect and process six tons of waste per month. These efforts show how community-driven solutions can strengthen environmental resilience and public health by lowering mosquito breeding sites and protecting camp residents.
  4. Prevention Efforts Are at the Center of Combating Malaria. The WHO emphasizes that malaria prevention succeeds when surveillance is strengthened, underserved communities are reached and investments in better diagnostics and tools are made. Indeed, across the Southeast Asia Region, these strategies have helped cut malaria incidence by 54% and mortality by 46% in five years. The same lessons apply to the refugee camps. Hard-to-reach, mobile and vulnerable populations must be actively protected. Early detection through improved diagnostics and consistent monitoring remains essential to preventing outbreaks.
  5. Community Radio Expands Health Awareness and Malaria Prevention. Community health efforts in the Rohingya camps are strengthened through expanded access to reliable, language-appropriate health information. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that a community radio station in Teknaf, previously reaching only 50% of the refugee response zone, has now expanded coverage to 90%. Supported by the Emergency Telecommunications Sector (ETS), the station partners with organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and BBC Media Action to broadcast programs on health, water and sanitation, disaster preparedness, malaria, sexually transmitted infections and trafficking. Community radio plays a crucial role in improving health literacy by delivering accessible information directly to households and encouraging disease prevention behaviors.

Looking Ahead

Together, these efforts show that even in one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian settings, coordinated action can significantly reduce malaria risks. However, continued investment, community involvement and sustained prevention strategies will be essential to protecting Rohingya families.

– Chris Tang

Chris is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elimination of Malaria in Suriname: A First for the Amazon Region

Malaria in SurinameOn June 30, 2025, Suriname became the first Amazonian country to achieve malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization (WHO). This accomplishment marks a turning point not only for Suriname, the 46th country worldwide to achieve this status, but also for the wider region, demonstrating that malaria elimination is possible even in challenging tropical contexts. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the certification as “a powerful affirmation of the principle that everyone — regardless of nationality, background or migration status — deserves universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment.”

The 70-Year Journey to Malaria Elimination in Suriname

Suriname’s elimination efforts began in the 1950s, targeting the country’s densely populated coastal regions with indoor pesticide spraying and the provision of antimalarial treatment. By the 1960s, these regions became malaria-free, yet the forested interior, covering 90% of the country, presented different challenges. Traditional open-style homes offered minimal protection against mosquitos, and economic activity, particularly resource extraction, facilitated widespread transmission.

In 1974, Suriname decentralized medical responsibility in the interior to its primary health care service, which recruited and trained health care workers from local communities to provide early diagnosis and treatment. Investment in community-based approaches such as this would prove vital.

However, a surge in often illicit gold mining around the turn of the century threatened elimination efforts. Research across the Amazon region demonstrates strong positive correlations between mining activity and malaria incidence. Mining involves frequent travel between malaria-endemic areas, and because 75% of gold miners in Suriname are migrant workers from neighboring Brazil and French Guiana, cross-border transmission rates grew dramatically.

By 2001, Suriname recorded more than 15,000 cases — the highest transmission rate in the Americas.

Yet with the adoption of several vital strategies, cases dropped dramatically after this peak. The last locally transmitted case of Plasmodium falciparum — the most dangerous variant — was recorded in 2018, followed by the final Plasmodium vivax case in 2021. After three consecutive years with zero indigenous transmissions, Suriname was granted a certification of malaria elimination from the WHO.

How Suriname Turned the Tide

Suriname’s government demonstrated strong commitment to malaria elimination, supported by international projects such as the Global Fund and the Amazon Malaria Initiative (AMI-RAVREDA). Nationwide malaria screening was implemented, including at border crossings, to build effective surveillance mechanisms and tackle cross-border transmission.

The introduction of rapid diagnostic self-tests proved crucial in addressing malaria in remote regions, including Indigenous territories and mining zones beyond the reach of central services. The Malakit Project was vital in accelerating the decline in malaria incidence between April 2018 and March 2020 by 43%.

The ability to self-test and, if necessary, self-administer appropriate medication prevents miners from leaving work sites for treatment. The financial burden of such absence has contributed to non-adherence to treatment and the pervasiveness of the disease.

Efforts similarly focused on the training and involvement of local communities. Marthelise Eersel, who leads Suriname’s Malaria Program, explained: “everywhere where there is a community, you can train people to diagnose and treat malaria and report back to you.” Malaria Service Deliverers have provided free diagnosis, treatment and prevention services, as well as education, in areas where central health systems have struggled to reach.

Because much of the country’s mining activity is illegal and many miners are undocumented, engaging with the central health system has been difficult. Hedley Cairo, Malaria Diagnosis Coordinator with the Ministry of Health, explained that health workers are never accompanied by police on visits to mining sites, nor do they ask for documents — an approach that has built trust with vulnerable populations.

Breaking the Poverty-Malaria Cycle

Research consistently demonstrates the economic burden of malaria. Increased transmission is estimated to slow economic growth in endemic countries by 0.7% to 3% per year. The disease contributes to absenteeism, hampers children’s educational development, discourages foreign investment and tourism and strains health care systems.

In Suriname, this connection is particularly evident in the interior. Indigenous and Maroon communities suffered consistently higher malaria rates than coastal and urban areas and are among the country’s most economically disadvantaged, with 29% and 32.9% of each community living under the World Bank poverty line. Gold mining, driven by economic necessity, became both a livelihood strategy and the primary driver of malaria transmission, affecting miners and their families.

Suriname’s Minister of Health, Amar Ramadhin, celebrated that elimination “will have positive effects on our health care sector, boost the economy and enhance tourism.” The timing is significant: Suriname is emerging from a severe economic crisis, with current poverty rates at 17.5%.

Malaria elimination removes one major barrier to economic development, freeing resources and human capital for education, infrastructure and other priorities. The health care system, previously stretched thin managing malaria cases, can now refocus on other pressing needs.

A Blueprint for the Region

The Amazon region accounts for 90% of the malaria burden in the Americas, with Brazil, Peru and Venezuela still recording high transmission rates. Successful malaria elimination in Suriname offers evidence that elimination is achievable, even in climates conducive to transmission. However, regional coordination is essential to sustain elimination in the face of reintroduction threats from neighboring countries and to support other nations’ elimination goals.

Looking Ahead

Suriname’s achievement offers a replicable blueprint: community-based solutions, universal health care access, innovative approaches to reach marginalized populations and sustained political commitment. There are encouraging signs that surrounding countries are learning from this approach. The Malakit Project operates in French Guiana, and Brazil and Colombia are beginning to establish networks of community health workers in some Amazon regions. As the first Amazon country to reach this milestone, Suriname has led the way forward.

– Caroline Sheehan

Caroline is based in Edinburgh, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Malaria and Poverty in Africa: Funding Cuts Threaten Millions

Malaria and Poverty in Africa: Funding Cuts Threaten MillionsMalaria is the leading cause of preventable death, killing almost 600,000 people in 2023. The largest outbreaks occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty is a key contributing factor. Global aid programs have been successful, averting millions of malaria-related deaths, demonstrating their necessity. Sadly, recent funding cuts threaten progress against malaria and poverty in Africa. Millions are once again at risk from a disease the world already knows how to prevent.

The Disease-Poverty Cycle

Malaria is more than a health concern. It is part of a disease-poverty cycle that threatens the welfare of generations. For many African countries, approximately 63% of malaria spending comes from foreign investment. Poor areas lack access to health clinics and mosquito nets, leaving millions vulnerable.

Malaria infections leave low-income households facing further financial strain. Missed workdays mean lost wages and medical care is unaffordable. According to the World Bank, treatment for a single case of malaria costs up to 25% of annual income, pushing vulnerable families deeper into poverty. Children bear the heaviest burden, with almost 80% of malaria-related deaths occurring in children under 5. Infections also lead to higher absenteeism and poor learning outcomes. This threatens their future earning potential, making it harder for them to escape poverty as adults.

International aid is the strongest tool to break this cycle. Subsidized mosquito nets and affordable medication have saved millions of lives and reduced the financial strain on families. But the funding cuts in early 2025 are undoing all of the progress. Unless resources are restored, the disease-poverty cycle will only tighten its grip.

How Funding Cuts Impact Malaria and Poverty in Africa

Between 2010 and 2023, the United States (U.S.) contributed an average of 37% of global malaria financing. The $15.6 billion dispersed through the Global Fund averted more than 600 million malaria cases. The recent foreign aid reductions, however, led the Global Fund to cut $1.4 billion from existing grants. These cuts significantly limit resources for the communities that rely on them most.

Within the last year, several African countries saw a sharp increase in malaria cases and deaths. Zimbabwe recorded 119,648 cases and 334 deaths, while Namibia registered 89,959 cases and 146 deaths. Without sustained aid, millions will again face illness and economic hardship. Households lose income, medical expenses increase and children miss school. Each malaria case reinforces the disease-poverty cycle, trapping generations in a world of disease and hardship.

Preventing Malaria: Funding, Care and Innovation

In light of the funding cuts, countries and organizations are taking coordinated action to reduce the impact of malaria and poverty in Africa. At the 38th African Union Summit this year, African leaders emphasized the need for foreign investment to reduce the economic burden of the disease.

African countries are reprioritizing budgets to maintain malaria prevention and treatment programs in high-risk areas. Local health workers bring diagnosis and treatment closer to households, increasing access to treatment and reducing financial strain on families. 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in collaboration with Epidemic Prognosis Incorporating Disease and Environmental Monitoring for Integrated Assessment (EPIDEMIA), developed a malaria early warning system enabling targeted prevention and treatment efforts. In September 2025, the Gates Foundation pledged $912M to the Global Fund to support malaria programs and urged governments to increase funding.

Combating malaria and poverty in Africa requires urgent advocacy. The Global Fund, which provides 59% of international malaria financing, reduced malaria deaths by 29% between 2002 and 2023. It is a sustained investment that could deliver malaria-free Africa.

Key Malaria and Poverty Reduction Actions

According to the Global Fund, the following efforts can help reduce malaria and poverty.

  • Advocating for full replenishment of the Global Fund.
  • Urging governments to restore and increase contributions.
  • Pushing for transparent budgeting to ensure funds reach high-need communities.
  • Mobilizing advocacy groups to contact representatives to back global health funding. 

Looking Ahead

Despite recent funding cuts, progress against malaria reveals that the disease can be defeated. Continued support from governments, donors and communities can sustain prevention efforts and protect millions from poverty. With renewed commitment, a malaria-free Africa is within reach.

– Tina Kusal

Tina is based in Montrose, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Dual-Insecticide Nets Strengthen Malaria Control in Africa

How Dual-Insecticide Nets Strengthen Malaria Control in Africa Malaria, a disease that comes from a mosquito bite, is one of Africa’s major health issues. Africa holds an estimated 94% of global malaria cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria killed 569,000 Africans in 2023. To fight this disease, researchers developed insecticide-treated nets through research and experiments. These are mosquito nets with insecticides on them to repel mosquitoes. For the past two decades, these insecticide-treated nets have strengthened malaria control, but in recent years, mosquitoes have started developing resistance. This shift led researchers to spend years testing the idea of dual-insecticide nets, which eventually resulted in the creation of the Interceptor G2.

Dual-Insecticide Nets

Dual-insecticide nets are treated with additional chemicals that better target resistant mosquitoes. They combine standard insecticide with another compound that boosts the effects. The Interceptor G2 is the most advanced bed net developed through modern research. According to the WHO, clinical trials found that these new nets improved malaria control by 20–50%. Within three years, researchers estimate that the Interceptor G2 saved 35,000 lives. In addition to saving lives, the nets also helped prevent 13 million malaria cases, further strengthening malaria control.

Corine Ngurfor

Dr. Corine Ngufor is one of the many doctors who made a huge impact on the testing of dual-nets. Ngufor herself contracted malaria many times throughout her childhood and knows the struggles and impact this disease has on people firsthand. After earning her PhD, Ngufor started developing testing methods to reflect real-life conditions for the nets. These methods included ensuring the nets could withstand heavy rain, remain safe for children and stay lethal to mosquitoes. Researchers spent six years field-testing numerous prototypes before identifying the best option: the Interceptor G2. Her findings showed that dual-insecticide nets strengthen malaria control substantially more than previous nets.

Looking Ahead

The Interceptor G2 has made life-changing improvements for malaria prevention in Africa, but even so, researchers are preparing for future resistance. Ngufor is one of those doctors who are already at work trying to stay ahead of resistance. Research shows that dual-insecticide nets significantly strengthen malaria control. Ongoing studies on mosquito resistance and insecticide effectiveness aim to ensure these nets remain a reliable tool. With support from the WHO and other global partners, efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate malaria continue to advance. With help from WHO and other organizations in the fight to eradicate malaria, Ngufor believes there is an end in sight for malaria cases.

– Emily Herlehy

Emily is based in Denton, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Prevention Strategies: Malaria in Africa

Fighting Malaria: Prevention Strategies in AfricaMalaria remains a major global health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths from the disease. More than 95% of all infections occurred in Africa, underscoring the urgent need for scalable, long-term prevention strategies. Despite challenges, innovative approaches are helping reduce malaria rates and protect vulnerable communities from both illness and poverty.

Geographic Burden and Progress

Countries near the equator, such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Mozambique, face the highest malaria burden. Nigeria alone recorded about 68 million infections. However, prevention efforts across the continent have prevented an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths globally, with most of those malaria cases projected to occur in Africa. Some countries have made significant progress. In Rwanda, for example, malaria cases dropped from 4.9 million in 2019 to 749,000 in 2023. Rwanda’s success stems from its focus on high-risk areas, expanded access to free treatment for adults and vaccination programs for children.

Poverty and Risk Factors

Beyond humid weather conditions, poverty plays a major role in malaria transmission. In Nigeria, many families lack access to mosquito nets, insect repellents or screened housing. Poor working conditions also increase exposure. More than 60% of Nigerians work in agriculture and another 9% in trade, professions that require early morning and evening hours outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. Educational barriers further exacerbate the problem. People without formal schooling are less likely to understand malaria transmission or prevention, making them more vulnerable. If left unchecked, malaria disrupts livelihoods, increases health care costs and perpetuates the poverty cycle.

Vaccination and Treatment Strategies

In 2021, the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine became the first to receive a World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for widespread use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supported this rollout, citing the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing malaria incidence and child mortality. In pilot programs, the vaccine decreased malaria in children by 30% and reduced overall mortality by 13%, even in areas with high usage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).

Alongside vaccination, the CDC also promotes LLINs as an effective physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes. These nets remain a cornerstone of malaria prevention, especially in rural and high-risk regions. For those already infected, Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) offer a fast-acting solution. Derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisinin targets the malaria parasite in its blood phase, often clearing the infection within hours when administered intravenously. While not preventative, it remains critical for reducing symptoms and preventing severe illness.

Controlling the Source

Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito species resistant to insecticides and active during daylight, has spread to countries like Djibouti. After nearly eradicating malaria in 2012, Djibouti saw a resurgence of 73,000 cases by 2020 due to the insect’s rapid spread. To counter this, the United States (U.S.)-based company Oxitec released tens of thousands genetically modified (GM) male mosquitoes in Djibouti in 2025. These mosquitoes cannot bite or transmit disease. When they mate with wild females, the female dies shortly after, reducing the mosquito population. Although still in early stages, this approach could offer long-term benefits for vector control across East Africa.

A Path Forward

Malaria prevention has evolved through vaccines, targeted treatment, insecticide-treated nets and now genetic engineering. However, continued investment in education, infrastructure and health care access remains crucial. By tackling malaria transmission and its root causes, public health strategies not only save lives but also create pathways out of poverty for millions across Africa.

– Abegail Buchan

Abegail is based in Johnstown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country rich in natural resources yet long-suffered by instability and authoritarian rule, has received humanitarian assistance from multiple international organizations and single-nation funding sources. Here is some information about the work of USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

USAID in the DRC

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported the DRC since 1990 through various programs designed to improve food security, health and sanitation and access to clean water, and respond to conflicts and emergencies. As the largest bilateral donor to the DRC, USAID stands to make the biggest impact in meeting the needs of Congolese citizens and delivering essential services.

Poverty in the DRC

The DRC is the fourth-largest country in Africa with a population of 109 million. Due to civil conflict and the displacement of large portions of the population, the DRC remains one of the five poorest countries in the world, and the World Bank estimates that 73.5% of Congolese people live on less than $2.15 a day.

The DRC particularly struggles with disease prevention, including but not limited to Ebola, malaria, HIV and measles. This is largely a result of inadequate funding for vaccines, bed nets and other preventative measures. Ongoing civil conflicts and governmental fractures make this particularly difficult for the government of the DRC to address, which is why USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is essential to safeguard the public health and safety of millions of Congolese citizens. 

How USAID Is Helping the DRC

USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has increased its level of funding in U.S. dollars every year since 2001. Programs have focused on two particular sectors— emergency response and basic health. In 2023, USAID disbursed $935.77 million of development aid to the DRC, making it the fourth-largest recipient of USAID assistance. Below are the largest programs under USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which assist in development and emergency response in the DRC. 

The Title II Emergency Program

The largest USAID activity in the DRC is the Title II Emergency Program, which provides U.S.-grown food to those suffering from food insecurity in foreign countries. In 2023, USAID allocated $120.8 million to the DRC, providing critical food assistance to those most vulnerable to starvation.

With the World Food Program (WFP), USAID was able to reach approximately 4.4 million people to help them meet basic food needs in 2023.

The Integrated Health Program

The Integrated Health Program (IHP) works to improve the quality and availability of health services in the DRC, through providing technology and training. USAID partnered with other health organizations to provide $38.53 million to the DRC in 2023, supporting areas including child health, immunizations, nutrition and sanitation. USAID was able to reach 26.7 million children for nutrition programming and assistance from October 2021 to September 2022, alongside other vaccination, family planning and newborn assistance. 

USAID’s End Malaria Project

The End Malaria Project works to provide mass distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent the spread of malaria. In 2023, USAID provided $15.88 million to support the DRC’s National Malaria Control Program, helping to provide bed nets to more than 28 million people. 

As the leading cause of death in the DRC, malaria stands as one of the biggest challenges for the U.S. and DRC governments to address. Through the providing of bed nets and vaccines, USAID, through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), can reach more than 45 million people to prevent or treat malaria each year.

Additionally, USAID donated 50,000 doses of an mpox— a cousin to smallpox— vaccine to the DRC in September 2024 in collaboration with the CDC. USAID has already committed more than $10 million for research and prevention. 

Looking Ahead

USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has provided life-saving humanitarian assistance, particularly to marginalized groups and those living in conflict zones. By investing in the health and security of Congolese people, the U.S. may assist the DRC in achieving stability and prosperity within the near future. 

– Sadie Claps

Sadie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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China’s malaria elimination

China’s malaria eliminationOn June 30, 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) certified China as malaria-free. Achieving this amazing status highlights the country’s success and the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in facing challenges. These include drug resistance, changing weather patterns and the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to this success, China could serve as an example for Africa, where malaria remains a significant challenge that claims more than 600,000 lives annually.

The 1-3-7 Strategy: The Key to Success

One of the cornerstone strategies in China’s malaria elimination was the 1-3-7 surveillance method. The efficient system requires reporting any confirmed malaria case within one day, then investigating within three days and responding within seven days. This rapid detection and response model was integral to China’s ability to control and eliminate malaria.

Real-time data-sharing technology is further enhanced using this method, according to The Lancet. The country also provided monetary incentives to health care workers to encourage timely reporting in some regions. The Gates Foundation recognized the 1-3-7 approach as a model for other countries with malaria breakouts.

Additional Steps to China’s Success

On top of the 1-3-7 strategy implemented to tackle China’s malaria elimination, the country also developed innovative genetic-based approaches by studying parasite populations. Scientists noticed that there is an ideal stage to intervene when it comes to intracellular parasites, this is when they decide to either continue multiples or be transmitted through a mosquito. This is because only a few parasites turn into gametocytes which is required for the transmission. China used strategies like insecticide spraying and mosquito breeding ground elimination.

Furthermore, China also turned its attention to the surveillance of drug resistance. A similar approach could help reduce malaria transmission rates in Africa. WHO recommends frequent efficacy studies to monitor the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs, according to the International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS (IJMA). China also partnered with international research institutes such as Harvard University where it used advanced genomic tools to study and predict malaria parasite movements.

China’s Leadership

China’s success in eliminating malaria shows the need for strong government leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration. Starting in the 1940s, when China was reporting 30 million cases of Malaria annually, the country gradually reduced its malaria through a series of national plans and partnerships with other nations. In 2010, it launched the National Action Plan for Malaria Elimination. This, combined WHO guidelines with China’s local strategies to achieve elimination.

During this time, China’s government committed over ￥1.38 billion towards malaria elimination efforts, according to BMJ Global Health. This robust financial backing, combined with scientific research, allowed China to upscale its interventions. The discovery of artemisinin is one of the most notable contributions from Chinese research, according to The Gates Foundation. These advances played a key role in China’s success and remain crucial tools in global malaria control efforts.

Future Prospects: China’s Lessons for Africa

This amazing achievement could help African nations achieve malaria-free status. By creating multi-sector collaborations and adapting the 1-3-7 strategy they can unite in the fight against malaria. Furthermore, adapting China’s genetics-based approach could strengthen these efforts.

Additionally, community engagement could be key to success. Educating communities about malaria prevention and involving local leaders in control measures could help ensure these efforts. With the right combination of financial investment and government action, African nations can make significant progress towards reducing malaria. China’s malaria-free certification is not just a victory for China but also a beacon of hope for the global fight against malaria.

– Ellisha Hicken

Ellisha is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Battling Diseases in El Salvador

Diseases in El Salvador
El Salvador is a country in the west of Central America. The country is the smallest and most densely populated of the seven Central American countries. Countries with dense populations tend to have more problems with disease. The dense population, among other factors, has led to the rise of diseases in El Salvador.

The Impact of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes tend to spread diseases in El Salvador, similar to many Central and South American countries. This is partly due to the hot climate. The CDC has warned against several diseases that mosquitos pass when traveling to El Salvador. One of these diseases is Zika. For most, Zika is a minor inconvenience. Some of the symptoms include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes and muscle pain. Although uncommon, it is possible for zika to cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, which causes one’s immune system to attack their nerve cells. The people most at risk with Zika are pregnant women. Zika can cause serious birth defects in the child and other pregnancy problems.

Although mosquitoes are dangerous, they are not the only insects that can cause problems. Leishmaniasis is spread from the bite of a sand fly. Sand flies are present in many areas, including Central America. There are three forms of the disease. The first is cutaneous, which causes skin sores, the second is mucosal, which causes sores in the nose, mouth and throat and visceral, which impacts internal organs. The first two forms can lead to lifelong disability if left untreated. Meanwhile, the last one has a 90% mortality rate without treatment, making it one of the most dangerous diseases in El Salvador.

Leptospirosis

Bug bites and other diseased animals are a very common vector for disease, but far from the only ones. Leptospirosis is spread through urine, body fluids and contaminated water. Leptospirosis is not as common in Latin America as the other diseases, but El Salvador still has 4.65 cases per 100,000 people. Some symptoms include high temperature, headache, body aches and pains, stomach ache, diarrhea and yellowing of the skin. The survival rate depends on the severity of the disease, but in severe cases, the mortality rate is around 40%. Unfortunately, El Salvador has some of the most polluted water in Latin America. Some causes for the issue are considered poor waste management and overexploitation from companies. One can attribute both of these to the country’s poverty. The poverty rate in El Salvador is higher than the Latin American and Caribbean average.

Tuberculosis

Although one can take precautions to avoid bugs and contaminated water, prevention is more difficult when a disease is airborne. One example is tuberculosis. The disease is not  as common in El Salvador as it is in other countries, as there are 49 cases per 100,000 people. However, it is still on the watchlist for traveling to El Salvador. Some symptoms of tuberculosis are an extended cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever and sweating at night. Tuberculosis can be fatal without treatment.

Bill S.288

Bill S.288 aims to refocus U.S. actions on prevention, address virulent drug-resistant TB strains and provide support for the best practices and technologies in TB diagnosis and treatment. The bill establishes new goals for U.S. efforts and employs prevention and treatment suggestions based on the latest scientific data while also increasing accountability and transparency. The last action on the bill was that it was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Although fighting these diseases can be hard for governments it is not impossible. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) certified El Salvador as malaria-free. This was the final result of a 50 year commitment by the government to fight Malaria, making them the first country in Central America to be malaria-free. This was accomplished through vector control, early detection, rapid treatment, community engagement and education, international funding and overall government commitment to the cause.  

The World Mosquito Program

Some organizations like the World Mosquito program are helping to fight diseases spread by mosquitos all over the world. In 2022, El Salvador’s Ministry of Public Health announced they would collaborate with the World Mosquito program for the Wolbachia project. The Wolbachia project is releasing non biting male mosquitos into areas with high disease rates. These mosquitoes hold a bacteria which prevents eggs they produce with females from hatching.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, the dense population and tropical climate of El Salvador create a challenging environment for controlling the spread of various diseases. Mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika and Leishmaniasis, as well as rodent-transmitted diseases such as hantavirus, pose significant health risks. Additionally, diseases like leptospirosis and tuberculosis highlight the complexity of the health landscape. Despite these challenges, El Salvador’s achievement of being declared malaria-free by the WHO demonstrates that with sustained effort and effective public health strategies, progress is possible. Continued support from global organizations and comprehensive health initiatives are essential to further reduce the burden of infectious diseases and improve public health in El Salvador.

– Matthew Mendives

Matthew  is based in Colonia, NJ and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Malaria in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde Finally Eliminates MalariaIn January 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Cabo Verde as malaria-free, making it the third African nation to achieve this status. The elimination of malaria in Cabo Verde resulted from government initiatives and local community engagement. This accomplishment serves as a model for other countries prone to malaria.

Cabo Verde’s Malaria Statistics

Malaria, a potentially fatal illness, caused approximately 608,000 deaths and 249 million cases worldwide in 2022. Africa bore the brunt, with 580,000 (95%) of these fatalities and 233 million (94%) of the diagnoses. Additionally, 80% of malaria deaths among children under the age of 5 occur in Africa.

Cabo Verde comprises 10 small islands located beyond the West African coast and has more than 500,000 inhabitants. The country nearly eradicated malaria on two separate occasions, but neither was sustained. The first attempt involved residents using indoor spray to kill mosquitoes, which ceased in 1969. Consequently, malaria cases resurfaced on Santiago Island in 1973, leading to a nationwide outbreak in 1977. The second attempt in 1978 also aimed to eliminate malaria, resulting in significant case reductions by 1983, except on the Boa Vista and Santiago Islands.

The New Approach

In 2007, the Cabo Verde government enhanced its efforts to eliminate malaria by revising its health care policies. These changes aimed to increase the diagnosis rate, ensure the quick and efficient delivery of medicine and improve the supervision and recording of all malaria cases. In 2017, Cabo Verde was on track to eliminate malaria when an outbreak of 423 cases occurred. This outbreak prompted a change in strategy, leading to the reintroduction and reinforcement of indoor spraying and insecticidal nets, especially in areas most affected by malaria. Due to its successful efforts, the WHO declared Cabo Verde malaria-free on Jan. 12, 2024.

The country achieved this status by recording no malaria transmissions for more than three consecutive years and demonstrating the capability to prevent the re-establishment of transmission. With this achievement, Cabo Verde joined ranks of Mauritius and Algeria in being malaria-free. It is also became the 43rd country worldwide to receive this certification.

The Effect Of Malaria Elimination On Poverty

Infected individuals often participate less in the workforce due to illness, potentially reducing their earnings and pushing them into poverty. Additionally, the risk of malaria can deter investors from putting money into affected countries. This trend suggests that achieving malaria-free status may lead to positive outcomes for Cabo Verde.

Tourism is vital to Cabo Verde’s economy; before the COVID-19 pandemic, it contributed 24% to Cabo Verde’s GDP, accounted for 10% of employment and attracted most of the foreign capital. Cabo Verde’s malaria-free status may encourage more tourists from non-malaria-infected countries to visit without fear of contracting the disease or adhering to strict health precautions. This influx could boost the country’s revenue and increase personal incomes, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

Looking Ahead

Cabo Verde’s achievement as a malaria-free nation sets a precedent for public health success in Africa. Its commitment to maintaining this status could inspire similar strategies across other malaria-prone regions, enhancing global health security and economic stability.

– James McAlinden

James is based in Rosehearty, Scotland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr