The Burden of Malaria in the AFRO Region
Between 2000 and 2015, the number of new malaria cases declined by 42%, and the number of deaths from the disease decreased by 66%. Despite these improvements, the AFRO region still experiences the highest burden of malaria globally. Every year, Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 90% of the world’s new malaria cases and 92% of malaria-related deaths. The socioeconomic impact of malaria in the region is significant. Absenteeism from work due to malaria contributes to reduced income and household poverty. Additionally, children who contract malaria miss school and can be prevented from realizing their full potential.
About the programme
The MAL programme seeks to reduce morbidity and mortality due to malaria while simultaneously maintaining malaria free areas and expanding the number of areas where malaria is controlled. Additionally, MAL aims to reduce the adverse health and socio-economic consequences that result from malaria. The MAL programme intends to accomplish these goals by supporting Member States in increasing human resource capacity, strengthening capacity for the conduct of operational research for evidence-based decision making, and accessing and managing resources such as anti-malarial drugs, long lasting insecticide-treated nets, diagnostic tools, and laboratory support. The programme also provides technical support to accelerate and scale up cost-effective interventions such as indoor residual spraying, malaria treatment in pregnancy/intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, case management, and epidemic preparedness and response.
Countries in the AFRO region have experienced success with these interventions. Currently, 31% of pregnant women are receiving preventative treatment for malaria and 53% of at-risk people are sleeping under insecticide-treated nets.
Related publications
- World Malaria Report (2016)
- Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030
- Action and Investment to Defeat Malaria 2016-2030 (AIM)
- Framework for Implementation of the GTS in the African Region
Related video
- Global Malaria Progress and Challenges in 2016” by the WHO
Other Resources
- Malaria Fact Sheet
- 10 Facts on Malaria in Africa (2015)
- Ghana, Kenya and Malawi to Take Part in WHO Malaria Vaccine Pilot Programme (Press release)
For more information about the Programme please contact:
Dr. Jackson Sophianu Sillah
a.i. Programme Manager
Email: sillahj [at] who.int