Africa’s Malaria Eradication Goals Under Threat

In 2024, the Africa Progress Report revealed that most African Union (AU) member states are falling behind in their commitment to eradicate malaria by 2030. The report was presented at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Despite ambitious targets set in the AU’s Catalytic Framework, progress has stagnated. The incidence of malaria has only decreased by four per cent since 2015, while mortality rates have dropped by 15 per cent. These figures are far below the interim goals of a 40 per cent reduction by 2020 and a 75 per cent reduction by 2025.

Current Malaria Statistics

Of the 46 AU member states reporting malaria cases, only six have achieved a 40 per cent reduction in incidence. Just seven have met the 75 per cent reduction target for mortality. This indicates gap between goals and achievements.

Challenges to Malaria Eradication

Key challenges include severe funding shortfalls, climate change, and biological resistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that global funding for malaria control reached only $4 billion in 2023, far less than the $8.3 billion needed. The funding gap has widened from $2.9 billion in 2019 to $4.3 billion in 2023. An additional $1.5 billion is required for 2025-2026 to maintain current intervention coverage.

Impact of Climate Change

Climate change is worsening malaria transmission, especially in Africa’s highland regions. The number of months suitable for malaria transmission has increased by 14 per cent. By the 2030s, an estimated 147–171 million Africans could be at risk. Climate-driven factors could lead to 775,000 additional deaths by 2050.

Spread of Invasive Mosquito Species

The emergence of invasive mosquito species, such as Anopheles stephensi, poses threat. This species can transmit malaria in urban areas, where it was previously uncommon. It has been identified in eight AU member states, including Kenya, raising concerns about potential outbreaks in cities.

Economic Consequences of Malaria

Malarily impacts economic growth. In endemic regions, the disease can reduce GDP growth by up to 1.3 per cent annually. It can also cause the loss of up to half a billion workdays each year. However, investing in malaria elimination could yield substantial economic benefits, potentially increasing Africa’s GDP by $127 billion by 2030.

Political Commitment and Success Stories

The Yaoundé Declaration, adopted in 2024, reflects a renewed commitment to reducing malaria mortality among high-burden countries. Cabo Verde and Egypt have achieved WHO-certified malaria-free status, exemplifying that eradication is possible with political will, collaboration, and adequate resources.

Strategic Recommendations

To eliminate malaria by 2030, the report calls for a comprehensive strategy. This includes increasing domestic funding, strengthening health systems, and integrating climate resilience into malaria control efforts. Enhanced cross-border collaboration is essential to reach mobile populations. The use of innovative tools, such as new vaccines and advanced insecticides, is crucial in the fight against malaria.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the impact of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa.
2. Critically examine the role of funding in achieving malaria eradication targets in Africa.
3. Explain the significance of political commitment in the fight against malaria in Africa and provide examples.
4. What are the challenges posed by invasive mosquito species in urban areas? Discuss their implications for public health.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the impact of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa.

1. Climate change has increased the number of months suitable for malaria transmission by 14% in highland areas.
2. By the 2030s, an estimated 147–171 million Africans could be at risk due to climate-related factors.
3. Extreme weather events, like floods, enhance mosquito breeding and facilitate transmission.
4. Climate-driven transmission is projected to result in 775,000 additional malaria deaths by 2050.
5. Changing environmental conditions may alter mosquito habitats, leading to new transmission dynamics.

2. Critically examine the role of funding in achieving malaria eradication targets in Africa.

1. Global funding for malaria control was only $4 billion in 2023, falling short of the $8.3 billion needed.
2. The funding gap has increased from $2.9 billion in 2019 to $4.3 billion in 2023, hampering progress.
3. An additional $1.5 billion is required for 2025-2026 to maintain intervention coverage.
4. Insufficient funding leads to inadequate resources for research, prevention, and treatment efforts.
5. Investing in malaria eradication could yield substantial economic returns, potentially increasing GDP by $127 billion by 2030.

3. Explain the significance of political commitment in the fight against malaria in Africa and provide examples.

1. Political commitment is crucial for mobilizing resources and implementing effective malaria control strategies.
2. The Yaoundé Declaration of 2024 reflects renewed commitment among health ministers to reduce malaria mortality.
3. Cabo Verde and Egypt achieved WHO-certified malaria-free status, demonstrating the impact of strong political will.
4. Successful eradication efforts require multisectoral collaboration and sustained advocacy from political leaders.
5. Political will can drive the allocation of funding and resources necessary for innovative malaria interventions.

4. What are the challenges posed by invasive mosquito species in urban areas? Discuss their implications for public health.

1. The emergence of Anopheles stephensi, an urban-adapted mosquito, increases the risk of malaria outbreaks in cities.
2. This species can thrive in densely populated areas, where malaria transmission was previously low.
3. Invasive species complicate existing malaria control efforts and can lead to increased transmission rates.
4. Urbanization and climate change facilitate the spread of these invasive species, exacerbating public health challenges.
5. Effective public health responses must adapt to the changing dynamics of malaria transmission in urban settings.