Health Alert: Malaria

Malaria throughout history

Malaria is a relentless adversary that has plagued humanity for millennia. It’s more than just an illness; it’s a force that has shaped human history, influenced the outcomes of wars, and redirected migration patterns. This mosquito-borne threat continues to be a formidable opponent, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where it costs an estimated $12 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.  

Malaria is believed to have killed more people throughout history than any other single disease. 

What steps are being taken to combat malaria?

Despite significant progress, malaria remains a pressing global health challenge. Between 2000 and 2019, the global malaria mortality rate was reduced by 60%, saving an estimated 7.6 million lives. However, according to the WHO, “In recent years, progress in reducing malaria has ground to a standstill.” In 2022 alone, there were 608,000 malaria-related deaths and 249 million new cases. 

Currently there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ vaccine for malaria, but there are numerous steps being taken to aid its prevention. One of the major breakthroughs in the fight against malaria has been the development of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This vaccine, piloted in Ghana, Malawi, and Kenya, has shown promising results in reducing malaria cases by 39% and severe malaria by 29% in young children. 

In 2023, the WHO recommended another safe and effective vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, a positive outcome considering more than 80% of malaria deaths in Africa are children under the age of 5.  

Minimise your risk of catching malaria

Minimising your risk of malaria primarily involves avoiding mosquito bites. Here are some effective strategies: 

• Use mosquito nets: Sleeping under insecticide-treated nets can reduce malaria transmission by up to 90%.

• Apply mosquito repellents: Use repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin after sunset.

• Use mosquito coils and vaporisers: These can help keep mosquitoes at bay indoors.

• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and trousers offer additional protection.

• Anti-malaria medication: Taking antimalarial drugs such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine as prescribed by a healthcare professional can significantly reduce your risk of infection. 

Being aware of when malaria transmission is at its peak can also help in prevention. In many parts of the world, malaria transmission is highly seasonal, with the majority of cases occurring during and after the rainy season. 

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Other symptoms include:

• Headaches and muscle aches 

• Impaired consciousness 

• Convulsions 

• Chest pain, trouble breathing and coughing 

• Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting  

• Dark or bloody urine 

What to do if you think you have malaria

Malaria symptoms usually appear 10 to 15 days after infection and can be quite vague. If you experience fever, chills, headache, nausea, or muscle pain after travelling to a malaria-endemic area, seek medical treatment immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe illness and complications. 

Did you know? 

Genetic Resistance: People with the sickle cell trait, carrying one sickle cell gene, are naturally resistant to severe malaria. This genetic adaptation is commonly found in regions where malaria is endemic.

Multiple Strains: There are 5 different species of malaria parasites that can infect humans, and they all have slightly different symptoms, however, the Plasmodium falciparum variant is the deadliest.

Drug Resistance: The Plasmodium falciparum parasite has developed resistance to several antimalarial drugs, particularly in Southeast Asia, posing a significant challenge to malaria control efforts. 

Malaria remains a significant challenge, but with continued innovation, global cooperation, and individual vigilance, there is hope for reducing its impact and eventually eradicating this devastating illness.