risk, build resilience and accelerate research, there is every reason to dream of a future free of malaria.”
Lifesaver sleep
In 2020, more insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) — the primary prevention measure in most malaria-endemic countries — have been distributed more than in any other year on record.
And the 2021 distributions are generally strong, similar to pre-pandemic levels.
However, Benin, Eritrea, Indonesia, Nigeria, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Uganda and Vanuatu distributed less than 60% of their ITNs and Botswana, Central African Republic, Chad, Haiti, India, Pakistan and Sierra Leone did not distribute any.
Follow up other interventions
By 2021, seasonal antimalarial chemicals – a highly effective, community-based intervention – have reached nearly 45 million children in 15 African countries, up significantly from 33.4 million in 2013. 2020 and 22.1 million in 2019.
And despite supply chain and logistical challenges during the COVID pandemic, a record number of malaria rapid diagnostic tests were distributed to healthcare facilities in 2020.
An estimated 242 million artemisinin-based combination therapies – the most effective treatment for P. falciparum malaria – were delivered worldwide in 2021 compared with 239 million in 2019.
Insecticidal netting (ITN) is the primary vector control tool used in most malaria endemic countries. The WHO report compares two years of distribution.
Convergence of threats
Despite the successes, the challenges continue and lead the field of statistics, especially in the field of statistics. Africawhich shoulder about 95% of cases and 96% of deaths worldwide by 2021.
Pandemic disruptions and converging humanitarian crises, challenges to health systems, funding constraints, increased biological threats, and declining effectiveness of cutting tools reduce the core epidemic, which has threatened the global response.
“Despite progress, the African region continues to be hardest hit by this deadly disease,” he said. WHO Regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti, notes that the news tools and the funding to deploy them are “essential to help us defeat malaria”.
Malaria funding in 2021 stands at $3.5 billion, up from two years ago but far below the estimated $7.3 billion needed globally to stay on track.
other obstacles
At the same time, Declining effectiveness of key malaria control toolsthe most important is the ITN, which is hinder further progress against malaria.
Among the threats are insecticide resistance, lack of accessibility and loss of ITN due to the pressure of faster replacement than daily use.
Other increased risks associated with parasite mutations affecting rapid diagnostic tests; development of parasites resistant to antimalarial drugs; and the entry of an insecticide-resistant mosquito.
Trends in malaria cases and deaths in 11 high-burden countries, from 2015 to 2021.
New paths of hope
In order for African countries to build a more resilient response, WHO recently launched a strategy curbing antimalarial drug resistance and an initiative prevent the spread of Anopheles stephensi malaria vector.
In addition, a new global framework response to malaria in urban areas, developed by WHO and UN-Habitatprovides guidance to city leaders and stakeholders on malaria.
Meanwhile, A robust research and development pipeline is set to deliver a new generation of malaria control tools that can help accelerate progress toward global goals, including long-lasting bed nets with new insecticide combinations; anti-space drugs; and genetic engineering of mosquitoes.
In addition, there are new diagnostic tests, next-generation drugs to combat drug resistance, and other malaria vaccines.
According to the report, malaria-endemic countries should continue to use primary care to strengthen health systems and ensure quality services and interventions for everyone in need. .
Newborns in Ghana are protected from malaria by bed nets.
