Harness Innovation to Reduce Malaria Disease

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple crises it has caused, a growing number of countries are approaching and achieving malaria elimination. Malaria can be defeated. Each year, malaria claims the lives of more than 400,000 people, mainly young children in Africa. With robust political commitment, adequate investment and the right mix of strategies, we can reach our common goal of a world free of malaria.”- António Guterres- UN Secretary-General. Malaria is a preventable and curable disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) nearly half of the world’s population is at risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World Malaria Day each year on 25 April to highlight the collective energy and commitment of the global malaria community in uniting around the common goal of a world free of malaria. According to the WHO there is no single tool available to solve the problem of malaria. Innovative new tools are vital if the world is to achieve global elimination targets, including innovations in new vector control interventions and insecticides, improved diagnostics, and more effective medicines, among other tools. Under the theme “Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives”, this year’s World Malaria Day will draw attention to the critical role innovation plays in helping to achieve global elimination goals. Since 2000, malaria cases in the Western Pacific Region have been reduced 39% from 2.8 million to 1.7 million cases. However, progress has stalled. Between 2019 and 2020, cases in the Region increased by an estimated 300 000 from 1.4 million to 1.7 million. Papua New Guinea accounted for 86% of all cases in the Region in 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2020 there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases and 627 000 malaria deaths worldwide. What is Malaria? Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. The first symptoms are fever, headache and chills and they usually appear 10–15 days after the infective mosquito bite and may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within a period of 24 hours. In 2020, nearly half of the world's population was at risk of malaria. Some population groups are at considerably higher risk of contracting malaria and developing severe disease: infants, children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and patients with HIV/AIDS, as well as people with low immunity moving to areas with intense malaria transmission such as migrant workers, mobile populations and travellers. The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2020 the Region was home to 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of deaths. Children under 5 years of age accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region. Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (31.9%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (13.2%), United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%) and Mozambique (3.8%). Preventative Measures Over the last 2 decades, expanded access to WHO-recommended malaria prevention tools and strategies including effective vector control and the use of preventive antimalarial drugs has had a major impact in reducing the global burden of this disease. Vector control is a vital component of malaria control and elimination strategies as it is highly effective in preventing infection and reducing disease transmission. The 2 core interventions are insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Progress in global malaria control is threatened by emerging resistance to insecticides among Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the latest World malaria report, 78 countries reported mosquito resistance to at least 1 of the 4 commonly-used insecticide classes in the period 2010–2019. In 29 countries, mosquito resistance was reported to all main insecticide classes. The best available treatment, particularly for P. falciparum malaria, is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). The primary objective of treatment is to ensure the rapid and full elimination of Plasmodium parasites to prevent an uncomplicated case of malaria from progressing to severe disease or death. Jamaica Jamaica remains malaria free according to a press release from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The Ministry of Health & Wellness notes as of 2012, Jamaica was re-instated on the Official Register of areas where Malaria eradication was achieved. WHO 2030 Targets In order to meet the WHO targets of 2030 much more investments and resources will be required to reduce incidents of malaria globally. The Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030 was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2015. It provides a comprehensive framework to guide countries in their efforts to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination. The strategy sets the target of reducing global malaria incidence and mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030. Progress against malaria depends on a robust healthcare system which is adequately funded and equipped to meet the challenges. We all have a role to play in spreading the message of awareness against malaria. In the words of Anthony Fauci, it is now widely recognized that any attempt at malaria eradication must be a long-term commitment that involves multiple interventions, disciplines, strategies and organizations. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldMalariaDay #EndMalaria