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Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa.
1Malaria Unit, AMREF, Nairobi, Kenya.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Malaria remains a persistent health threat in Sub-Saharan Africa despite numerous interventions. This disease, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, affects millions globally and causes significant mortality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Tropical Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- Malaria poses a significant and ongoing health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Despite extensive research, modeling, and control efforts, malaria transmission remains high in the region.
- The disease is caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted via female Anopheles mosquito bites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the persistent threat of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- To underscore the global impact of malaria, including clinical cases and fatalities.
- To emphasize the need for better documentation of malaria's socioeconomic consequences.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on malaria prevalence and impact in SSA.
- Analysis of global malaria statistics regarding at-risk populations, clinical cases, and mortality.
- Identification of gaps in understanding the socioeconomic effects of malaria.
Main Results:
- Malaria continues to be a major health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Globally, approximately 2.6 billion people are at risk, with over 100 million clinical cases and around 1 million deaths annually.
- The social and economic ramifications of malaria morbidity and mortality are not fully understood or documented.
Conclusions:
- Malaria control strategies in SSA require re-evaluation due to the disease's persistence.
- The global scale of malaria necessitates continued and potentially intensified public health efforts.
- Further research is crucial to quantify and address the socioeconomic burden of malaria.