Malaria mortality in Colombia from 2009 to 2018: a descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Colombia faces endemic and epidemic malaria, with decreasing mortality over recent decades.
• Malaria remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe malaria mortality rates in Colombia between 2009 and 2018.
• To identify trends and geographical variations in malaria-related deaths.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Colombian Mortality Information System.
• Calculated case fatality, crude, and age-adjusted mortality rates for malaria.

Main Results:

• Recorded 148 malaria-related deaths during the 2009-2018 period.
• Observed an average annual mortality rate of 0.032 deaths per 100,000 population.
• Identified mortality peaks in 2010 and 2016, with Choco accounting for 27.7% of deaths.

Conclusions:

• The observed unstable downward trend in malaria mortality necessitates intensified surveillance efforts.
• Greater emphasis on targeted interventions is required to further reduce malaria burden and mortality.