The University of Pretoria’s Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control in South Africa (SA) has issued an urgent malaria alert following recent flooding in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, with concerns that the risk also extends into neighbouring Mozambique.

Health experts say stagnant water left behind by the floods has created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising the likelihood of a spike in malaria infections in the coming weeks. Millions of people living in affected areas are now considered to be at heightened risk, threatening years of progress made towards malaria elimination in the region.

Dr Taneshka Kruger, Project Manager at the institute, warned that the situation requires immediate and coordinated intervention to prevent a surge in cases.

The institute is working closely with SA’s National Department of Health to strengthen mosquito control measures and intensify public health awareness campaigns in vulnerable communities.

In a briefing, the institute said it is ready to provide research-based guidance and technical support to health teams operating on the ground.

“We advise on how vector surveillance should be conducted so that teams can gather the right data to guide malaria control programmes and inform urgent decisions where immediate action is required,” the institute said.

Residents in flood-affected parts of SA and Mozambique are being urged to take precautions, including sleeping under mosquito nets and seeking medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms such as fever, chills or headaches.

–ChannelAfrica–