Knowledge Builders

where is malaria most prevalent in africa

by Johnson Volkman Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Disease burden
Most were in the WHO African Region, with an estimated 200 million cases, or 92% of global cases. In 2017, five countries accounted for nearly half of all malaria cases worldwide. Four of these were in Africa: Nigeria (25%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11%), Mozambique (5%), and Uganda (4%).

Complications

Symptoms

Causes

Prevention

image

What part of Africa has the most malaria?

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%).

Where is malaria most commonly located?

About half of the world's population is at risk. Large areas of Africa and South Asia and parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania are considered areas where malaria transmission occurs.

In which part of Africa is there a risk of being affected with malaria?

Malaria is endemic in some areas of South Africa, namely north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. September to May is considered the malaria season.

Why is malaria so common in Africa south of the Sahara?

It may be surprising that most cases occur on the African continent. Malaria is common in the area south of the Sahara Desert (called sub-Saharan Africa) because the disease spreads almost entirely in poor regions with tropical and subtropical climates. The local weather allows for transmission to occur year round.

What areas of the world are most at risk of malaria?

There are numerous species of Plasmodium however only five can infect humans with malaria. The five species are: falciparum: found in tropical and subtropical areas; major contributor to deaths from severe malaria. vivax: found in Asia and Latin America; has a dormant stage that can cause relapses.

Is malaria the biggest killer in Africa?

Globally, the African Region still bears the biggest malaria burden with approximately 190 million cases (89% of the global total) and 400 000 deaths (91% of the global total) in 2015 alone.

What is the number one cause of death in Africa?

Although HIV is not one of the leading causes of death worldwide, it remains within the top five leading causes of death in Africa....Distribution of the leading causes of death in Africa in 2019.CharacteristicDistribution of causes of deathHIV/AIDS5.6%Ischaemic heart disease5.5%Stroke5.5%10 more rows•Jul 15, 2022

Which country has the most malaria deaths?

Malaria1Sierra Leone61.602Zambia54.163Guinea-Bissau53.394Liberia52.625Togo52.24160 more rows

Are Africans immune to malaria?

Most people in Africa are not at risk for infection by P. vivax malaria because they carry a genetic mutation that makes them resistant to this strain.

Which African countries are malaria-free?

Certification of malaria elimination, 1955–2021Country/territoryCountries certified malaria-free a, b, c, d, eCountries where malaria never existed or disappeared without specific measures fAfricaAlgeria2019Lesotho2012Mauritius1973103 more rows

Can a single mosquito bite cause malaria?

Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. If it isn't diagnosed and treated quickly, it can be fatal. A single mosquito bite is all it takes for someone to become infected.

Why does the US not have malaria?

Malaria transmission in the United States was eliminated in the early 1950s through the use of insecticides, drainage ditches and the incredible power of window screens. But the mosquito-borne disease has staged a comeback in American hospitals as travelers return from parts of the world where malaria runs rampant.

What countries is malaria found in?

Malarialarge areas of Africa and Asia.Central and South America.Dominican Republic and Haiti.parts of the Middle East.some Pacific islands.

Why does malaria only occur in hot countries?

That's because malaria is spread by a tiny parasite that infects mosquitoes, which then infect humans — and this parasite loves warm weather. In warmer climates, the parasite grows quickly inside the mosquito's body.

Why is there no malaria in the US?

Malaria transmission in the United States was eliminated in the early 1950s through the use of insecticides, drainage ditches and the incredible power of window screens.

Where do malaria mosquitoes live?

The larvae occur in a wide range of habitats but most species prefer clean, unpolluted water. Larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes have been found in fresh- or salt-water marshes, mangrove swamps, rice fields, grassy ditches, the edges of streams and rivers, and small, temporary rain pools.

Which countries have the highest malaria rate?from who.int

In 2019, 6 countries accounted for approximately half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (23%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11%), United Republic of Tanzania (5%), Burkina Faso (4%), Mozambique (4%) and Niger (4% each).

Where does malaria occur?from who.int

Malaria’s Impact. Malaria occurs mostly in poor tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In many of the countries affected by malaria, it is a leading cause of illness and death. In areas with high transmission, the most vulnerable groups are young children, who have not developed immunity to malaria yet, and pregnant women, ...

How many countries have mosquito resistance?from who.int

According to the latest World malaria report, 73 countries reported mosquito resistance to at least 1 of the 4 commonly-used insecticide classes in the period 2010-2019. In 28 countries, mosquito resistance was reported to all of the main insecticide classes.

What are the most vulnerable people in the world?from cdc.gov

The most vulnerable are persons with no or little immunity against the disease. In areas with high transmission (such as Africa south of the Sahara), the most vulnerable groups are: 1 Young children, who have not yet developed partial immunity to malaria 2 Pregnant women, whose immunity is decreased by pregnancy, especially during the first and second pregnancies 3 Travelers or migrants coming from areas with little or no malaria transmission, who lack immunity.

Why is it important to monitor the efficacy of antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Protecting the efficacy of antimalarial medicines is critical to malaria control and elimination. Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is needed to inform treatment policies in malaria-endemic countries, and to ensure early detection of, and response to, drug resistance.

What is the resistance to antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Resistance to antimalarial medicines is a recurring problem. Resistance of P. falciparum malaria parasites to previous generations of medicines, such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, undermining malaria control efforts and reversing gains in child survival.

How does malaria affect the economy?from cdc.gov

Social and Economic Toll. Malaria imposes substantial costs to both individuals and governments. Costs to individuals and their families include purchase of drugs for treating malaria at home; expenses for travel to, and treatment at, dispensaries and clinics; lost days of work; absence from school; expenses for preventive measures;

Which region has the highest malaria burden?from who.int

The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2019, the region was home to 94% of all malaria cases and deaths.

How many cases of malaria worldwide in 2019?from who.int

It is preventable and curable. In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 409 000 in 2019.

How many countries have mosquito resistance?from who.int

According to the latest World malaria report, 73 countries reported mosquito resistance to at least 1 of the 4 commonly-used insecticide classes in the period 2010-2019. In 28 countries, mosquito resistance was reported to all of the main insecticide classes.

Why is it important to monitor the efficacy of antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Protecting the efficacy of antimalarial medicines is critical to malaria control and elimination. Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is needed to inform treatment policies in malaria-endemic countries, and to ensure early detection of, and response to, drug resistance.

What is the resistance to antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Resistance to antimalarial medicines is a recurring problem. Resistance of P. falciparum malaria parasites to previous generations of medicines, such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, undermining malaria control efforts and reversing gains in child survival.

What is the cause of malaria?from who.int

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, called "malaria vectors.". There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat.

How long does it take for malaria to show symptoms?from who.int

Malaria is an acute febrile illness. In a non-immune individual, symptoms usually appear 10–15 days after the infective mosquito bite. The first symptoms – fever, headache, and chills – may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria.

Where does malaria affect the world?from data.unicef.org

Today, nearly half of the world’s population, most of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa, are at risk for developing malaria and facing its economic challenges.

Which region has the highest malaria burden?from who.int

The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2019, the region was home to 94% of all malaria cases and deaths.

How many ITNs are distributed in Africa?from data.unicef.org

Over 1 billion ITNs have been distributed in Africa since 2000, and annual distribution continues to increase. In 2019, manufacturers delivered about 253 million ITNs to malaria endemic countries, an increase of 56 million ITNs compared with 2018.

Why is it important to monitor the efficacy of antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Protecting the efficacy of antimalarial medicines is critical to malaria control and elimination. Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is needed to inform treatment policies in malaria-endemic countries, and to ensure early detection of, and response to, drug resistance.

What is the resistance to antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Resistance to antimalarial medicines is a recurring problem. Resistance of P. falciparum malaria parasites to previous generations of medicines, such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, undermining malaria control efforts and reversing gains in child survival.

Why did sub-Saharan Africa increase ITN use?from data.unicef.org

This was largely due to free distribution campaigns that emphasized poor and rural areas. The success of this strategy has been reflected in an increased use of ITNs by vulnerable populations.

What is malaria caused by?from afro.who.int

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans, caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Four species account for almost all human infections but the species P falciparum causes the majority of infections in Africa and is responsible for the most severe forms of the disease, ...

Where is malaria most prevalent?from cdc.gov

Malaria is transmitted year-round. The highest transmission is found in Africa South of the Sahara and in parts of Oceania such as Papua New Guinea. In cooler regions, transmission will be less intense and more seasonal. There, P. vivax might be more prevalent because it is more tolerant of lower ambient temperatures.

How can the world continue to make progress against malaria?from ourworldindata.org

The world has already been very successful against this disease which is one of the most deadliest diseases in humanity’s history. How was this possible and what can we do to continue this progress?

How many countries have mosquito resistance?from who.int

According to the latest World malaria report, 73 countries reported mosquito resistance to at least 1 of the 4 commonly-used insecticide classes in the period 2010-2019. In 28 countries, mosquito resistance was reported to all of the main insecticide classes.

Why is it important to monitor the efficacy of antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Protecting the efficacy of antimalarial medicines is critical to malaria control and elimination. Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is needed to inform treatment policies in malaria-endemic countries, and to ensure early detection of, and response to, drug resistance.

What is the resistance to antimalarial drugs?from who.int

Resistance to antimalarial medicines is a recurring problem. Resistance of P. falciparum malaria parasites to previous generations of medicines, such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, undermining malaria control efforts and reversing gains in child survival.

What is the malaria incidence rate?from ourworldindata.org

The malaria incidence rate (Ii) is the number of new cases of malaria (Cases) divided by the total population (Pop) and multiplied by 100,000.

How did malaria affect the Roman Empire?from ourworldindata.org

Malaria did not only leave its mark on our body, but in many ways also on our history. Malaria is presumed to have been the secret ally that helped the barbarians bring about the downfall of Rome. The examination of the teeth and bones of the Romans by archeologists has recently brought together more and more evidence that the mosquito-borne fever once thrived in the warm, marshy river valleys of the Tiber and the Po in the Roman empire. The disease enfeebled the mightiest army of the ancient world directly through epidemics and indirectly by reducing the productivity in the agricultural sector and hastened the fall of Rome. 5

image

Disease Burden

Prevention

Complications

If untreated, it may lead to complications such as:

Cerebral malaria:

  • Swelling of your brain or brain damage may occur, in some cases of malaria.
  • Cerebral malaria may cause coma.

Breathing problems:

  • Accumulated fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema) can make it difficult to breathe.

Organ failure:

  • Malaria can cause your kidneys or liver to fail, or spleen to rupture.
  • Any of these conditions can be life-threatening.

Anemia:

  • Malaria damages red blood cells, which can result in anemia.

Low blood sugar:

  • Very low blood sugar can result in coma or death.
  • It is caused due to side effect of malarial medication

Symptoms
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of Malaria, seek medical attention immediately.

Common symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
  • Profuse sweating
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Anemia
  • Deep breathing and respiratory distress
  • Clinical jaundice and evidence of vital organ dysfunction
  • Impaired consciousness
  • Bloody stools
  • Convulsions
  • Coma

Causes

  • It is caused by a microscopic parasite which is transmitted by mosquitoes when they bite
  • Rarely the parasite can be transmitted by:
  • Organ transplant
  • Blood transfusion

Prevention

Only way to prevent infection is to prevent mosquitoe bites:

Use insecticides:

  • Applying insecticide can kill adult mosquitoes

Sleeping nets:

  • Sleep under nets, to prevent mosquito bites.
  • Sleeping nets treated with insecticides are recommended in areas where malaria and mosquitoes are endemic with particular importance for pregnant women and young children who are particularly vulnerable.

Cover your body:

  • Try to minimize body exposure by wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts
  • Mosquitoes are more active from dusk to dawn care should be taken during these times.

Apply creams or sprays:

  • Mosquito repellent creams or sprays are available
  • These can keep the mosquitoes away

Case Management

Elimination

Surveillance

  • The new cause-of-death methodology was applied to 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa that shoulder about 93% of all malaria deaths globally. Applying the methodology revealed that malaria has taken a considerably higher toll on African children every year since 2000 than previously thought. The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportiona...
See more on who.int

Who Response

  • 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.
See more on who.int

1.CDC - Malaria - About Malaria - Where Malaria Occurs

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/distribution.html

14 hours ago  · The threat of malaria is highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and 6 countries in that region accounted for more than half of all malaria deaths worldwide in 2020: Nigeria (26.8%), …

2.Malaria in Africa - UNICEF DATA

Url:https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/malaria/

1 hours ago 10 rows ·  · Other countries with high numbers of new malaria infections are Pakistan (4.3 million), Ethiopia ...

3.CDC - Malaria - Malaria Worldwide - Impact of Malaria

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/malaria_worldwide/impact.html

12 hours ago

4.Malaria - Disease and Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2286/

7 hours ago

5.Countries With The Highest Rates Of Malaria - WorldAtlas

Url:https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/countries-with-the-highest-rates-of-malaria.html

3 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9