Africa may be approaching a critical moment in the fight against malaria, thanks to the rollout of new vaccines and growing political commitment across the continent.
The region continues to bear the brunt of the global malaria burden, accounting for 95% of cases and deaths. Eleven countries in sub-Saharan Africa carry the highest load, while only nine African countries have been certified malaria-free. Challenges such as funding gaps and implementation hurdles, however, have slowed progress.
Speaking ahead of Southern African Development (SADC) Community Malaria Week, Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor: Clinical Governance at International SOS, said the picture in Southern Africa is mixed. “Before 2019, we were optimistic because malaria rates had dropped in many countries. Then COVID-19 shifted resources away from malaria, and combined with extreme weather events, heavy rainfall, warmer winters, tropical storms in Mozambique and Malawi, cases and deaths began to rise again,” he explained.
New vaccines offer hope, particularly for children under five, who remain the most vulnerable. The RTS,S vaccine, introduced in 2019, and the newer R21 vaccine, rolled out over the past two years, have shown promising results in pilot studies across countries including Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.
Van Straten stressed, however, that vaccines alone will not eliminate malaria. “We need a multi-layered approach: vaccines, mosquito nets (including those treated with prophylactic medications), early detection, treatment, and continuous surveillance,” he said.
Regional co-operation is also crucial. “Even if South Africa eliminates malaria, imported cases from neighbouring countries could undo progress. SADC countries must support each other, alongside organisations like Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and donors such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” he added.
Some countries are already showing what is possible. Egypt, for example, has reported no malaria cases for three years after implementing comprehensive strategies. Van Straten highlighted that sustained effort, investment, and public awareness are key to replicating such successes across Africa.
“Vaccines are a powerful tool, but they are part of a broader strategy. continued vigilance, education, and implementation are essential if we want to make malaria eradication a reality,” he said.
–ChannelAfrica–
