[Malaria in Algerian Sahara]

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Algeria launched a malaria eradication campaign in 1968, significantly reducing cases.
• Plasmodium falciparum was eradicated from northern Algeria, with residual P. vivax cases in the center.
• Increased imported malaria cases in the south began in the 1980s, coinciding with the Trans-Saharan road opening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the evolution of malaria in Algeria's Sahara region.
• To map the distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes in the Sahara.
• To understand the risk factors for malaria resurgence in southern Algeria.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical malaria case data (1960-2007).
• Analysis of epidemiological trends in malaria distribution.
• Assessment of vector distribution and potential introduction routes.

Main Results:

• Malaria cases dropped from 95,424 (1960) to 30 (1978) post-campaign.
• Autochthonous malaria cases are now concentrated in southern Algeria (300 cases, 1980-2007).
• Anopheles gambiae introduction and recent outbreaks highlight southern vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• Southern Algeria remains vulnerable to malaria due to imported cases and vector introduction.
• Environmental changes may exacerbate malaria risk in the Sahara.
• Continued surveillance and control efforts are crucial for malaria prevention in Algeria.