Climate change is causing a rise in malaria and mosquito-borne diseases in Africa due to increased temperatures and altering habitats. Experts predict significant additional deaths from malaria due to climate impacts in the coming decades. Factors such as drug resistance and human activities also complicate these challenges, necessitating enhanced surveillance and control efforts.
Climate change is significantly impacting public health in Africa, leading to increased cases of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Experts indicate that rising temperatures are altering disease patterns and facilitating the emergence of these diseases in previously unaffected areas. Dorothy Memusi, a researcher and former deputy director of the malaria division in Kenya’s Ministry of Health, emphasizes the connection between climate shifts and the rising incidence of malaria in regions such as the Rift Valley, which had low prevalence rates before.
Research indicates that climate change may result in an estimated 550,000 additional malaria-related deaths in Africa from 2030 to 2049, as reported by the World Health Organization. Memusi notes that temperature changes significantly affect the malaria parasite’s development time within the mosquito, enhancing transmission rates as the temperature rises. For instance, at 18°C, the malaria parasite matures in 51 days, whereas even a modest increase in temperature can greatly speed this process.
In addition to temperature, rainfall patterns critically influence mosquito habitats and population sizes. A collaborative study from 2004 found that rising temperatures alongside increased rainfall and humidity conditions resulted in a higher prevalence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes at greater altitudes. Consequently, areas previously considered too cool for malaria, such as the highlands, are experiencing new outbreaks.
Despite ongoing research, Memusi cautions that quantifying climate change’s exact effects on malaria transmission remains complex. Various influencing factors include demographic shifts, human activities such as deforestation, and resistance to drugs and insecticides. Dr. Willis Akhwale from the Kenya End Malaria Council reinforces this notion, pointing out that the uptick in malaria cases is also associated with increased drug resistance and infrequent pesticide application in mosquito breeding sites.
Surveillance and preparedness are crucial components of malaria control strategies. Akhwale highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, selective parasite control, and strengthening the capacity to prevent outbreaks and manage transmission.
In summary, climate change is exacerbating health challenges in Africa by increasing malaria cases and altering the geographical distribution of this disease. While environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall play significant roles, human activities and drug resistance also contribute to this growing public health crisis. Enhanced surveillance and effective control strategies are essential to mitigate the impacts of these changes on malaria transmission.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
