WHO: Malaria may kill 769, 000 in Africa in 2020
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has projected that about 769,000 people may die as a result of malaria in 2020 in sub-Saharan Africa.
The world health body therefore urges countries in sub-Saharan Africa to move quickly to save lives from malaria in 2020.
All countries in Africa, except Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia, according to the United Nation, are in Sub-Sahara.
New analysis has also supported the WHO call to minimize disruptions to malaria prevention and treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic
According to a new modelling analysis released by WHO and partners ahead of World Malaria Day (25 April) which forms part of a Statement issued by the wolrd health body in Geneva on Thursday and obtained by The Factual, Severe disruptions to insecticide-treated net campaigns and in access to antimalarial medicines could lead to a doubling in the number of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa this year compared to 2018.
“WHO urges countries to move fast and distribute malaria prevention and treatment tools at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa, and to do their utmost to safely maintain these essential malaria control services”, the statement said.
The analysis considers nine scenarios for potential disruptions in access to core malaria control tools during the pandemic in 41 countries, and the resulting increases that may be seen in cases and deaths.
“Under the worst-case scenario, in which all insecticide-treated net (ITN) campaigns are suspended and there is a 75% reduction in access to effective antimalarial medicines, the estimated tally of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020 would reach 769 000, twice the number of deaths reported in the region in 2018. This would represent a return to malaria mortality levels last seen 20 years ago”, the statement said.
According to the World malaria report 2019, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 93% of all malaria cases and 94% of deaths in 2018. More than two-thirds of deaths were among children under the age of five.
To date, the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa has represented only a small proportion of the global total, though cases are increasing every week. This means that countries across the region have a critical window of opportunity to minimize disruptions in malaria prevention and treatment and save lives at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Part of the statement reads: “Mass vector control campaigns should be accelerated, ensuring protection for both health workers and communities against COVID-19 transmission. WHO and partners commend the leaders of Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Chad and for initiating ITN campaigns during the pandemic. Other countries are adapting their net distribution strategies to ensure households receive the nets as quickly and safely as possible.
“Preventive therapies for pregnant women and children must be maintained. The provision of prompt diagnostic testing and effective antimalarial medicines are also essential to prevent a mild case of malaria from progressing to severe illness and death. WHO and partners have developed guidance to ensure that those suffering from malaria can safely receive the care they need within the package of essential health services to be delivered in COVID-19 settings”.