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Climate change and population growth threaten Malaria progress

October 21, 2025 / 9:10 AM
Climate change and population growth threaten Malaria progress
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Sharjah24 - AFP: After 20 years of steady progress, global efforts to combat malaria have stalled. Campaigners warn that climate change and rapid population growth are driving a resurgence of the mosquito-borne disease, which continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year.

Insufficient funding and the rising cost of prevention programs now threaten to undo decades of success, potentially costing billions of dollars and countless lives, according to a joint report by the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and Malaria No More UK.

Africa bearing the brunt

The report highlights that Africa accounts for 95% of malaria cases worldwide, with 590,000 deaths recorded globally in 2023. Several African nations saw increased infections between January and June 2025 following unusually heavy rainfall.

Although malaria deaths have halved in the past two decades, insufficient funding has caused progress to stagnate. The issue will be a key topic at the November 21 Global Fund meeting in South Africa, which supports nearly 60% of malaria control funding worldwide.

“A Perfect Storm” of challenges

The report warns of a “perfect storm” of factors undermining malaria control:

Climate change and rising temperatures expanding mosquito habitats

Drug and insecticide resistance reducing treatment effectiveness

Trade disruptions and insecurity limiting resource delivery

In 2023, the World Malaria Report recorded 263 million cases globally, up by 11 million from the previous year.

Climate change expanding mosquito territory

ALMA Executive Secretary Joy Phumaphi said that higher temperatures and flooding have created new mosquito breeding grounds — even at higher altitudes, such as in Rwanda.

The Asian-origin Anopheles stephensi mosquito has now spread into Africa, further complicating control efforts. Meanwhile, resistance to insecticides has increased.

Costly but promising innovations

While dual-insecticide mosquito nets and drones dispersing larvicide show strong results, their high costs pose challenges, especially as Africa’s population has nearly doubled in the past 30 years.

“It’s more expensive now, and we also have to protect a much larger population,” Phumaphi said.

Economic and social toll

Malaria remains most prevalent in Nigeria and is a major cause of worker absenteeism, school disruptions, and cognitive setbacks in children. Eliminating the disease could yield enormous economic returns, improving productivity and tourism, while reducing household poverty.

“Once communities are free from malaria, their purchasing power increases dramatically,” Phumaphi added.

Vaccines and the future outlook

A current anti-malaria vaccine in 23 African countries is around 40% effective, but a new version in clinical trials could reach 80% efficacy.

Without continued intervention, Africa could face 525 million additional cases, 990,000 more deaths, and $83 billion in lost GDP by 2030, the report warns.

October 21, 2025 / 9:10 AM

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