Malaria is on the rise, according to the 2023 World Malaria Report published by WHO. A combination of factors, including drug resistance, climate change and humanitarian crises, contributed to nearly 249 million cases of malaria last year, an increase from 223 million cases recorded three years earlier. before the start of the COVID pandemic, which also contributed to the increase in cases.
The report highlights some major threats, including climate change. Rising temperatures, increased humidity and precipitation can influence the behavior and survival of the Anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria. Heat waves and flooding due to extreme weather can also increase transmission risks. The report notably cites the 2022 floods in Pakistan, which led to a five-fold increase in malaria cases in the country.
At the same time, the pandemic has significantly disrupted malaria services, leading to an increase in cases and deaths. Likewise, natural disasters reduce access to malaria services and disrupt the supply chain of insecticide-treated bed nets, medicines and vaccines, the report highlights.
Despite this worrying situation, progress has been made in some countries. Indeed, 34 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases in 2022, compared to 13 countries two years earlier. Furthermore, the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine showed a 13% reduction in early child mortality in the regions where it was administered, in combination with the use of mosquito nets, insecticides and other child health interventions.
Under WHO’s High Burden to High Impact Program, the 11 countries with the highest rates of new cases and deaths saw their rates stabilize after an initial increase in 2020. These countries recorded an estimated 167 million malaria cases and 426,000 deaths in 2022.
To combat malaria, WHO has recommended the use of a second safe and effective vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, in October 2023. The availability of two malaria vaccines is expected to increase supplies and to widely deploy these vaccines across Africa.
The fight against malaria has also enabled some countries to achieve elimination of the disease. In 2022, 34 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases, compared to 13 countries two years earlier. This year, Azerbaijan, Belize and Tajikistan were certified by the WHO as malaria-free, and several other countries are on track to eliminate the disease in the coming year.
Despite these advances, it is necessary to intensify efforts to fight malaria. Additional funding, strong political will and adaptation of interventions to local realities are essential to reduce malaria cases and save lives. Additionally, it is imperative to take urgent action to address climate change and its impacts on health.
In conclusion, the Global Malaria Report 2023 highlights the importance of stepping up efforts to address the rise in malaria cases. It highlights the challenges posed by drug resistance, climate change and humanitarian crises, while highlighting the progress made in some countries and the steps that need to be taken to accelerate the fight against this deadly disease. It is essential to continue investing in research, the development of new tools and innovation to reduce malaria and protect the health of populations.