Information and stories about malaria.

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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

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Top Poverty-Fighting Causes Receive $300 Million in Funding

Top Poverty-Fighting Causes 
In 2023, Open Philanthropy pledged $300 million of funding over the next three years to GiveWell, an organization searching for and highlighting the most cost-effective, top poverty-fighting causes through comprehensive research. Open Philanthropy aims to achieve the best possible, conducting thorough research on the organizations they fund to achieve this. Open Philanthropy’s funding of $300 million to GiveWell will have a huge impact on those who need it most, preventing tens of thousands of deaths and demonstrating Open Philanthropy’s faith in GiveWell as they “set the gold standard in our eyes.”

Open Philanthropy began as an initiative within GiveWell, headed by Cari Tuna and Dustin Moskovitz, later growing into its own independent organization in June 2017. GiveWell and Open Philanthropy still work closely together as they share the mutual goal of finding the top poverty-fighting causes and cost-effective organizations that do the most good. Since the founding of Open Philanthropy, it has awarded GiveWell more than $1 billion in funding. While GiveWell publishes data and research to recommend the most impactful organizations to the public, Open Philanthropy primarily chooses where to give Tuna and Moskovitz’s money, funding a broader range of issues with a focus on how important a cause is, if it is underfunded and if there is a clear way in which funding could accelerate progress. So far in 2023, Open Philanthropy has donated $140,312,603 to organizations recommended by Give Well. 

Sightsavers

Since 2017, Open Philanthropy has been funding deworming programs led by Sightsavers at the recommendation of GiveWell.

In March of this year, they continued their support for Sightsavers, giving a total grant of $11.2 million to fund the next three years of their work. The majority of the funding, $8.3 million, will support already established deworming programs in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, with the other $2.9 million used to develop the program in Chad to cover 10 more regions. 

Sightsavers treat children for the parasitic infection schistosomiasis, which kills 200,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa every year, and intestinal worms. Deworming is recognized as one of the most cost-effective programs in areas where these parasitic infections are high. Without treatment these diseases can affect cognitive and physical development, impacting the child’s health and disrupting their education as they struggle to concentrate or miss school. This can perpetuate the poverty cycle as it is almost impossible to escape poverty without an education. 

Malaria Consortium 

Extending its funding for the seventh year in a row, Open Philanthropy awarded the Malaria Consortium $61.4 million to aid its seasonal malaria chemoprevention programs in Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso and Togo until 2025. Open Philanthropy is passionate about tackling malaria, as every year it causes 600,000 deaths, 70% of which are children under 5 years old in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its grant to the Malaria Consortium funds the administration of antimalarial drugs to children monthly during the four peak months of the malaria season.

GiveWell recommended Malaria Consortium to Open Philanthropy as seasonal chemoprevention has proven to effectively and significantly reduce the widespread presence and severity of malaria. A longitudinal study conducted in Togo showed SMC reduced the prevalence of malaria by 75% in 2020, while the fourth round of SMC proved to be 96.2% more effective than the first round. As malaria is the leading cause of death in children under five, it is unsurprising that the Malaria Consortium’s effective work is one of GiveWell’s top poverty-fighting causes. 

Helen Keller International – Vitamin A Supplementation 

Open Philanthropy’s grant to Helen Keller International in January 2023 was 17 times larger than the previous year, awarding them more than $67 million to assist with vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Niger, Nigeria and Mali. Vitamin A deficiency occurs in poverty-stricken areas as their diets lack variation or nutrients and can have detrimental impacts on their health by weakening their immune system, causing anemia, stunting, blindness and complications during pregnancy or birth. Helen Keller International aids in VAS programs for children by providing technical assistance, advocacy and funding for governments to implement the programs. The grant supports Helen Keller’s operations in 8 countries for an extra 18 months, ending in June 2026, and helps them expand to more regions, such as in DRC, where Helen Keller plans to reach 7 new provinces by 2025.

Open Philanthropy’s generous funding of $100 million a year to the top poverty-fighting causes recommended by GiveWell, will save tens of thousands of lives every year. Hopefully, this harmonious partnership will continue to play a massive and vital role in the fight against poverty. 

– Alice Isola
Photo: Freepik

Eliminating Malaria in Azerbaijan

As of March 29, 2023, the World Health Organization declared the country of Azerbaijan malaria-free. This result comes after a century of efforts to eradicate the disease from the nation using a range of methods and policies. Azerbaijan joins 41 other countries that have eliminated malaria. The elimination of malaria in Azerbaijan can be used as a case study for other nations when it comes to enacting effective policy.

How Was Malaria Eradicated in Azerbaijan?

The government and local authorities implemented a range of policies and innovative solutions to work toward eliminating malaria in Azerbaijan. Three strains of the disease were prevalent in the country in the 20th century, however after a significant interruption to the spread of two of these strains, Plasmodium Vivax remained the only prominent strain of malaria in the country.

Since then, the country has made significant progress toward controlling and measuring this strain of malaria. Some of these policies and methods included:

  • Effective specimen collection
  • Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance System implementation
  • Extensive public funding and investment in health care facilities and preventative measures

Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance System (EIDSS)

The Ministry of Health adopted the Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance System in 2010. The system provides accurate and real-time reporting of infections within the country. The data collected can be measured, analyzed and shared between different agencies for the most effective targeting and control of diseases, including malaria. The platform is an open-source system that allows medical clinics and centers for hygiene and epidemiology to input live data and react accordingly.

The use of this electronic data system vastly improved the recording and notification of the prevalence of malaria in the country. Traditional paper methods in 2010 had a timeliness notification rate for dangerous diseases of 37% until this increased to 98% once the government established EIDSS. The accuracy and completeness of data were also improved after the development of EIDSS. 

The Impact of Malaria Reduction on Poverty

Eliminating malaria in Azerbaijan creates a ripple effect across all areas of society, improving individual lives dynamically.

Initially, reducing malaria transmission greatly improves the health of citizens and health outcomes for the region as a whole, such as increasing life expectancy. On the other hand, research indicates that reducing malaria has impacts beyond health. 

Reducing malaria mortality creates better opportunities for people. With better health and less disease transmission, individuals will see less expenditure on anti-malaria drugs, treatment, funeral expenses and other associated costs. Dealing with malaria is expensive and costs the continent of Africa $12 billion in GDP per year, significantly slowing down economic growth. With a larger workforce unaffected by malaria, a country’s overall productivity and GDP can grow. For children especially, better health can improve school attendance and education, providing them with better career opportunities in the future that may have been hindered if they were exposed to the disease. 

On the other hand, research also considers the monetary factors associated with effective malaria eradication and current aid levels are not deemed to be sufficient to eliminate malaria and reverse the disease-poverty trap. The disease-poverty trap is the concept that without sufficient investment, poorer communities lack the resources to be able to overcome dangerous diseases and get locked in a cycle of sickness and poverty.

The Economy and Malaria

While eliminating malaria in Azerbaijan reinforces that it is possible to wipe out the disease, there is also a notable intersection between malaria eradication and economic prosperity.

Many have concluded that without the economic advantages that were available to the Azerbaijan government, it is uncertain whether the country would have eradicated the disease so soon. The country’s Parliamentary Health Committee commits almost $700,000 annually to be put toward malaria prevention activities. These investments included the Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance System and vast improvements in medical centers, antiviral drugs and laboratories.

Without sufficient aid and investment, it may be harder for less developed countries that suffer from malaria outbreaks to adequately fight the disease. An interview between Dr. Keith Carter and the WHO concluded that economic prosperity aided in preventing malaria transmission in Azerbaijan.

With adequate monetary investment and aid intervention, it is possible to eliminate malaria and subsequently pull thousands of people out of the disease-poverty trap. By providing the correct resources and investing in effective malaria prevention methods, malaria can be eradicated across the globe, as demonstrated in the case of eliminating malaria in Azerbaijan.

– Ariana Mortazavi
Photo: Flickr

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How the Star Homes Project is Fighting Malaria in Tanzania

Malaria in Tanzania
Tanzania ranks among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest reported malaria cases and deaths. A survey by the Severe Malaria Observatory (SMO) revealed that 93% of Tanzania’s population lives in areas that are at high risk of malaria outbreaks. Transmission rates of malaria in Tanzania vary between regions and the country goes through seasons where it expects large spikes in the number of cases. The Star Homes Project is fighting malaria in Tanzania through improved housing.

Malaria in Tanzania

The U.N. describes malaria as a disease that “impoverishes families, households and national economies.” The economic impact of malaria is especially evident in Africa where an annual spend of $12 billion goes into addressing malaria outbreaks. Plasmodium falciparum, a unicellular protozoan parasite, is responsible for 96% of malaria cases in Tanzania. Vector mosquitoes transmit malaria to the human population by carrying the parasite.

Tanzania experiences three distinct malaria transmission seasons: stable perennial transmission, stable malaria transmission and unstable seasonal malaria transmission. Stable perennial transmission impacts 60% of the country, whereas stable malaria transmission and unstable seasonal malaria transmission impact 20% of the country at any given time in a year. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines perennial transmission as “transmission that occurs throughout the year with no great variation in intensity.”

Tanzania’s Malaria Burden

The WHO’s World Malaria Report 2021 identified that Tanzania accounted for 4.1% of global malaria-related deaths in 2020. The report also outlined that malaria in Tanzania accounted for 12.8% of reported cases in East and Southern Africa in 2020. The country adopted the Malaria National Strategic Plan (MNSP) in 2020 and the scheme is due to continue until 2025. The MNSP hopes to diagnose malaria more effectively and extend medical services to disadvantaged groups in the rural areas of Tanzania.

The Star Homes Project

The Star Homes Project began in 2018 under the management of the company Ingvartsen Artikekter. Ingvarsten oversees a cross-functional team of architects, physicians, entomologists and members of Tanzania’s local communities. The Star Home Project is fighting malaria in Tanzania by providing affordable and improved housing with effective ventilation and physical protective barriers that stop mosquitoes from entering Tanzanian homes and infecting inhabitants.

As of November 2022, the Star Homes Project built 110 homes across 55 villages in Mtwara, a rural settlement in Tanzania. The company’s homes feature a two-story structure and “permeable facades of sea green screening mesh” that blocks mosquito access. The design also includes self-closing doors that control ventilation and helps the house to maintain cool temperatures throughout the day. From 2022 to 2024, the Star Homes Project will complete trials that compare the health of children living in the Star Home to those living in their usual residences.

Estimates predict that sub-Saharan Africa will have a population of 1.1 billion people by 2050. Following these predictions, the Star Homes Project has identified the need to implement better health measures so that Tanzania’s current and future residents can safeguard themselves against highly transmittable diseases and respiratory infections.

Looking Ahead

Malaria continues to be a prevalent issue in Tanzania requiring extensive efforts to decrease the risk of infection during peak transmission seasons. However, the Star Homes Project offers an innovative housing solution that could assist Tanzania in reducing its high malaria rates and usher Tanzanians into a safer, disease-free era.

– Jennifer Preece
Photo: Flickr

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Measures to Control Malaria in Chad

Malaria in Chad
According to the Malaria Consortium, Chad has one of the highest mortality rates globally for children younger than 5. For every 1,000 children, 119 die before the age of 5. Malaria is a significant cause of death in Chad, especially among children. Pregnant women and children are the most susceptible to contracting malaria because of their fragile immune systems. Several measures aim to control malaria in Chad, especially among the most vulnerable groups.

Preventative Measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial medication among the most vulnerable populations in endemic countries.

The Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) funds insecticide-treated nets for distribution to countries facing high malaria burdens. In March 2022, AMF agreed to distribute 6.8 million mosquito nets across all of Chad’s provinces from January 2023 to April 2023. The distribution of these nets could prevent up to 9,000 malaria-related deaths. AMF also estimates that the supply of nets will add $163 million to Chad’s GDP. In a country where the poverty rate stood at 42% in 2018, measures to reduce the nation’s economic burden are crucial.

The Malaria Consortium aims to improve health across Asia and African regions “through evidence-based programs that combat targeted diseases and promote universal health coverage,” its website says. The Malaria Consortium’s malaria prevention efforts involve the distribution of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) to protect vulnerable populations in endemic countries. This effective intervention involves “administering monthly doses of antimalarial drugs to children aged 3-59 months during the peak malaria transmission season.”

In May 2016, the Malaria Consortium established an office in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital city, and has led SMC initiatives since then. In 2021, the organization provided support for SMC interventions across 26 districts in Chad, with the aim of reaching about 1 million under-5 children.

Since 2000, the incidence of malaria in Chad has reduced from 267 per 1,000 vulnerable people to 206 in 2020, according to the World Bank. One can attribute the general decrease in numbers to increased treatment and prevention measures.

Malaria Vulnerability During Pregnancy

Contracting malaria during pregnancy poses risks to both the mother and child. “Pregnant women suffering from malaria are at increased risk of anemia and miscarriage and their babies are at risk of stillbirth, prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight,” says the Population Reference Bureau. Low birth weight is a significant cause of neonatal mortality. Experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that malaria during pregnancy causes between 75,000 to 200,000 infant mortalities annually across the world. In 2020, the WHO Africa Region recorded that 34% of all pregnant mothers had malaria exposure.

To protect vulnerable pregnant women from malaria, the WHO recommends the use of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) as part of antenatal care. The use of insecticide-treated nets is also important to ensure the mother’s safety. However, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), branded as Fansidar, has its limitations. It has reduced efficacy among women with HIV and SP-resistance is becoming more common.

Efforts from organizations have contributed to a reduced prevalence of malaria in Chad. Continued treatment efforts and preventative measures will ensure the most vulnerable populations are protected from malaria.

– Yv Maciel
Photo: Flickr

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How UNICEF Addresses Malaria

UNICEF Addresses Malaria
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines malaria as “a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.” People are at most risk of malaria in countries with warmer temperatures as the disease spreads at a faster rate due to the weather conditions. In 2020, the WHO estimated the existence of a total of 241 million cases of malaria throughout the world, and at this stage, the number of deaths arising from the disease stood at 627,000. The WHO African region holds the highest number of malaria cases globally. In 2020, the region accounted for 95% of malaria incidents and 96% of malaria-related fatalities. Furthermore, children younger than 5 made up about 80% of all malaria-related fatalities in this region. Due to these statistics, UNICEF addresses malaria through several initiatives and programs.

How UNICEF Addresses Malaria

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are one of the most effective malaria prevention methods. These chemically- treated nets form a physical barrier to protect against malaria-infected mosquitos while an individual is sleeping. The net itself blocks the mosquito from getting to the individual and the insecticide kills the mosquito once it touches the net.

Data shows that LLINs have reduced malaria cases by about half in sub-Saharan Africa. For this reason, UNICEF uses LLINs as its first line of defense against malaria in affected regions. In 2021 alone, UNICEF utilized 40.9 million of these nets in its malaria prevention programs. UNICEF first began using LLINs in 2000 and has procured more than 275 million nets since 2012. These nets are affordable and last “up to three years or 20 washes.”

A Malaria Vaccine

In October 2021, the WHO recommended the use of the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) RTS,S malaria vaccine among children in high-risk countries. According to GSK, long-term clinical studies show that it is “the first and only malaria vaccine” to remarkably decrease cases of malaria among children. The vaccine is the culmination of more than 35 years of research by GSK, PATH and partners.

In December 2021, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced that it would finance the rollout of this vaccine across child vaccination programs in eligible nations.

UNICEF addresses malaria through its announcement in August 2022 of an award of a contract of up to $170 million to GSK for the “first-ever supply of a malaria vaccine.” This contract will allow for the distribution of 18 million doses of the vaccine over the following three years. UNICEF highlights the importance of this vaccine by stating that in 2020, “nearly half a million children died from malaria in Africa alone, a rate of one child death per minute.”

UNICEF’s supply division director, Etleva Kadilli, commented on a UNICEF press release that “the vaccine rollout gives a clear message to malaria vaccine developers to continue their work” as these vaccines are both necessary and in demand. The vaccine is effective against the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite, which takes many lives across the world, to the greatest extent in Africa. As malaria is a global concern, demand for the vaccine is high and plans are already in motion to increase production of it with the hope of eventually immunizing every child against the disease.

Thanks to the work of researchers and organizations such as UNICEF, in endemic areas of the globe, vulnerable children under 5 will receive protection against malaria mortality.

– Claire Dickson
Photo: Flickr