Understanding Malaria Prevention and Treatment in Africa

Understanding Malaria Prevention and Treatment in Africa

Published by: Beyond Clinics | Written by: The Beyond Clinics Editorial Team

Photo by National Cancer Institute via Unsplash

Malaria remains one of the most serious public health threats across sub‑Saharan Africa. In Ghana and neighboring countries, malaria affects millions every year—particularly children under five and pregnant women. Although prevention and treatment tools exist, challenges such as funding gaps, climate impact, and emerging resistance continue to undermine progress.

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by *Plasmodium* parasites transmitted by female *Anopheles* mosquitoes. In Africa, *Plasmodium falciparum* is the most dangerous strain. Once infected, parasites multiply in the liver before destroying red blood cells, leading to symptoms like high fever, chills, headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, malaria can result in organ failure, coma, or death :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Malaria’s Burden in Africa and Ghana

According to the World Health Organization’s 2024 report, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases globally in 2023, with around 597,000 deaths—95% of which occurred in Africa. In Ghana, malaria remains one of the top causes of illness, with over 5 million confirmed cases reported in 2022 and a prevalence rate of 8.6%, though the country continues to expand its prevention efforts :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Key Prevention Strategies

• Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs): ITNs provide proven protection during sleep and are widely distributed in Ghana through public health campaigns.
• Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): Spray insecticides inside homes to kill resting mosquitoes.
• Breeding Site Control: Remove stagnant water, cover containers, and maintain clean surroundings.
• Protective Clothing & Repellents: Use long sleeves and mosquito repellents for added protection.

Health workers distributing nets in the community

Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment

Prompt diagnosis is vital. In Ghana, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and microscopy confirm malaria before prescribing treatment—avoiding self-medication and reducing drug resistance. The country follows WHO guidelines recommending Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) like Coartem, Artesunate-Amodiaquine, and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for uncomplicated malaria :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Severe cases require injectable artesunate in clinical settings.

Mosquirix: Ghana Leading Vaccine Rollout

Ghana was among the first countries to introduce the RTS,S (Mosquirix) malaria vaccine pilot. Since 2019, over 650,000 children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have received it through routine immunization, delivering a 13% reduction in all-cause mortality and 22% fewer hospitalizations from severe malaria :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

With expanded rollout in 2024–25, Ghana expects to deliver vaccines in more districts and protect thousands more children :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Challenges to Malaria Control

• Drug and insecticide resistance: Resistance among mosquitoes and parasites has emerged, hampering control operations :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Funding gaps: WHO estimates that $4 billion was available in 2023—less than half of the $8.3 billion needed for global malaria control :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Climate change: Changing weather patterns and increased rainfall enhance mosquito breeding conditions :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Community-Led Efforts and Innovations

Community engagement programs—such as school-based interventions combining education, net distribution, and parasite clearance—have significantly reduced infection rates, anemia, and improved school performance in Burkina Faso and Mali :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. Other innovative methods, like genetically modified mosquitoes or the use of ivermectin in mass drug administration campaigns, are being explored as adjunct measures to break transmission cycles :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

Conclusion

Malaria prevention and treatment are achievable through coordinated, multi-layered strategies: consistent net use, prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, vaccination, and well-planned community efforts. Ghana's pilot vaccine programme, increased funding, and local engagement offer renewed hope in controlling this perennial threat. With continued commitment, we can move closer to a malaria-free future.

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