In recent years, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has continually reported on the prevalence of malaria worldwide. In 2018, WHO released a report outlining some alarming figures about the disease’s increase. The number of cases increased by 2 million from 217 million in 2016 to 219 million in 2017. Additionally, in 2017, malaria was responsible for about 435,000 deaths – most of them children. 91 countries currently experience occurrences of the disease, though 90% of the cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
Key Findings of the WHO Report
The WHO Malaria Report, 2018, reveals some crucial data about the spread and impact of this disease. Approximately 80% of the world’s malaria burden is carried by India and fifteen sub-Saharan countries, with just five countries accounting for nearly half of all cases. These countries include Nigeria (25%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (11%), Mozambique (5%), India (4%), and Uganda (4%).
Moreover, in 2017, an estimated 435,000 deaths globally were attributed to malaria, comparable to the 451,000 deaths in 2016. Most of these deaths (80%) occurred in India and 17 countries in the WHO African Region.
Malaria-related Anaemia
To shed light on one of the severe consequences of malaria, the 2018 report included a section about malaria-related anaemia. This condition, if not treated, could be fatal, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children under five years old.
Challenges Posed by Malaria Globally
Major challenges arise in tackling malaria globally, particularly in high-burden countries. In 2017, 11 countries (ten in sub-Saharan Africa and India) accounted for approximately 70% of estimated malaria cases and deaths globally. Among these countries, only India reported progress in reducing its malaria cases in 2017 as compared to 2016.
| Country | Malaria Cases 2016 | Malaria Cases 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| India | 13% | 11% |
| Nigeria | 26% | 25% |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 12% | 11% |
High Burden to High Impact
WHO, in conjunction with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, has released a new approach – “High burden to high impact” – aimed at enhancing the response to malaria. It focuses primarily on intensive use of information resources, establishing global guidance, policies and strategies suitable for all malaria-endemic countries and coordinated country responses.
Funding Decline and Resistance to Medication
As a setback in the fight against malaria, there has been a decline in funding for malaria programmes in 24 out of 41 high-burden countries between 2015–2017 compared to 2012–2014. These countries rely significantly on external funding. Furthermore, there is a growing resistance to Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs), integral to the recent success of global malaria control, and insecticide class resistance in 68 countries.
National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination
In response to this global threat, the Government of India launched the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (NSPME) (2017-22). The strategic plan aims to eliminate malaria in various parts of the country over the next five years. It is based on the National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016 and WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria, 2016-2030.
The plan categorises the country into four categories, from 0 to 3, and aims to achieve zero indigenous cases by 2022 in all Category 1 and 2 districts. These strategies include diagnosis and case management; surveillance and epidemic response; prevention — integrated vector management and ‘cross-cutting’ interventions including advocacy, communication, research and development and other initiatives.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024