Malaria making a comeback in some regions: WHO

Islamabad: Although malaria case incidence has fallen globally since 2010, the rate of decline has stalled and even reversed in some regions since 2014. Mortality rates have followed a similar pattern, informs the Global Malaria Report recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

A matter of further concern is the revelation that a minimum investment of $6.5 billion will be required annually by 2020 in order to meet the 2030 targets of the WHO Global Malaria Strategy. The $2.7 billion invested in 2016 represents less than half of that amount. It is particularly disconcerting to note that since 2014, investments in malaria control have, on average, declined in many high-burden countries, the report points out.

The report raises alarm with the information that after unprecedented global success in malaria control, progress has stalled. In 2016, 91 countries reported a total of 216 million cases of malaria, an increase of 5 million cases over the previous year. The global tally of malaria deaths reached 445,000 deaths, about the same number reported in 2015. The WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria calls for reductions of at least 40% in malaria case incidence and mortality rates by the year 2020, and if the information contained in the report is to be believed, the world is not on track to reach these critical milestones. A major problem is insufficient funding at both domestic and international levels, resulting in major gaps in coverage of insecticide-treated nets, medicines, and other life-saving tools. In most malaria-affected countries, sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) is the most effective way to prevent infection. In 2016, an estimated 54% of people at risk of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa slept under an ITN compared to 30% in 2010. However, the rate of increase in ITN coverage has slowed since 2014, the report finds. Spraying the inside walls of homes with insecticides is another effective way to prevent malaria. The report reveals a steep drop in the number of people protected from malaria by this method–from an estimated 180 million in 2010 to 100 million in 2016.

The report also outlines additional challenges in the global malaria response, including the risks posed by conflict and crises in malaria endemic zones. The world is seen as being at a crossroads in the response to malaria. The report should serve as a wake-up call for the global health community. Meeting the global malaria targets will only be possible through greater investment and expanded coverage.