Covid-19, funding shortage affects malaria progress in high-load African nations

Gaps in access to life-saving tools, Covid-19 and the shortage of funds together are undermining the global fight against malaria, especially in high-load countries in Africa. In its latest report on malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries and global health partners to step up their fight against the disease.

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected females anopheles mosquitoes. In severe cases, the disease can lead to anemia or breathing difficulties that cause death. Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable group, accounting for more than 67% of all deaths in 2019.

In 2019, there were 229 million cases of malaria worldwide, an annual estimate that has remained virtually unchanged over the past four years. That year the disease made almost 409,000.

The African region bears a disproportionate burden of malaria. In 2019, six African countries accounted for 51% of all malaria cases globally: Nigeria (23%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (11%), United Republic of Tanzania (5%), Niger (4%) , Mozambique (4%) and Burkina Faso (4%).

“It is time for leaders across Africa – and around the world – to once again address the challenge of malaria, just as they did when they laid the foundation for the progress made since the beginning of this century,” said the director. WHO General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Through common action and a commitment to leave no one behind, we can realize our shared vision of a malaria-free world.”

In 2000, African leaders signed the historic Abuja Declaration pledging to reduce malaria deaths on the continent by 50% over a 10-year period. Political commitment and the sharp increase in funding following the agreement resulted in an unprecedented period of success.

According to the report, nearly 1.5 billion malaria cases and 7.6 million deaths were averted between 2000 and 2019. Overall there was a 44% reduction in the number of malaria deaths during this period. time.

Impact of Covid-19, lack of funding

Covid-19 impacted access to healthcare in 50% of countries, led to a drop in reports of new tuberculosis (TB) cases, and impacted the mental health of young people, among other issues.

A rapid response to ensure access to malaria prevention such as insecticide-treated nets and preventative medications for children has helped reduce the number of malaria infections during Covid-19, but the WHO report points out that even small disruptions in access to treatment could have huge repercussions.

According to the report, a 10% disruption in access to effective antimalarial treatment in sub-Saharan Africa could lead to an additional 19,000 deaths. 25% and 50% outages in the region could result in an additional 46,000 and 100,000 deaths, respectively.

“While Africa has shown the world what can be achieved if we stand together to end malaria as a public health threat, progress is stalled,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa. “Covid-19 threatens to further derail our efforts to defeat malaria, particularly in treating people with the disease. Despite the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on African economies, international partners and countries need to do more to ensure the resources are there to expand the malaria programs that are making such a difference in people’s lives. “

The 2020 target for reducing the incidence of malaria cases globally will be missed by 37% and the target for reducing mortality will be missed by 22%, according to WHO projections.