Malaria: Africa Standing Tall with the Highest Cases in the World

Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, poses a grave threat on the African continent. As one of the most malaria-endemic countries in the world, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for a concerning share of global malaria cases. We can say that malaria in this continent is like that annoying friend that always comes around like they own the place, stays around for too long and never knows when to leave.

According to the latest World Malaria Report by the World Health Organization, out of all the countries affected by malaria globally, 29 countries are responsible for 95% of the reported cases and among these 29, four stand out for having the highest. Nigeria accounted for 27%, while the DRC, Uganda, and Mozambique had 12%, 5%, and 4% respectively.

The rate at which Nigerians trivialize the malaria disease will probably explain the high numbers. When faced with even the slightest headache, the knee-jerk reaction for an average Nigerian is to go in search of malaria medication.

The high population of Nigeria has been solely blamed for the malaria cases, but it would be unfair to attribute Nigeria’s high malaria rates solely to its large population, as other factors like climate change, water and sanitation conditions, and the general living conditions among others cause these high numbers as well.

Regardless of being the country with the highest malaria cases globally, Nigeria isn’t the only country suffering from this endemic as other African countries have their own share of the problem. Research has shown that malaria is among the principal causes of mortality in the DRC, accounting for 22% of deaths in 2018. It is also worthy of note that the greatest burden of malaria mortality falls on pregnant women and children under five years of age.

Malaria is a disastrous disease and should be treated as such by African countries because it doesn’t only affect individuals; the economy suffers a great deal as a result of this deadly disease. For example, Nigeria spends 2.04 trillion yearly on malaria treatments. Likewise, in the DRC 13 million dollars was disbursed by the World Bank for the prevention of malaria in that region in 2013.

Regardless of these devastating issues, it is imperative to note that some African countries are doing so well when it comes to fighting malaria. Countries like Mauritius, Algeria, and Cabo Verde have been certified malaria-free. If other African countries can take a look at the efforts made by these countries, it is safe to say that sub-Saharan Africa can tread the highways in eradicating malaria.

Humanitarian organizations like the WHO, CDC, UNICEF, and the UN have joined African countries in the fight against this endemic. This is evident in the vaccines have been made available and are being allocated to different countries. In addition to Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, other countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Liberia, DRC, Burundi, Niger, and Uganda will also be enabled to receive the vaccine according to the WHO

The introduction of the malaria vaccine to these African countries is one step in the right direction as it affords them the opportunity to fight against the unwanted guest. Some African countries have not been able to receive the vaccine, but with crossed fingers, we hope that every country and continent around the globe is able to eliminate malaria completely.