Mozambique Sees 12% Decrease in Malaria Cases in 2024
Mozambique has reduced malaria cases by 12% this year, celebrated on World Malaria Day. President Daniel Chapo called for stronger global support and emphasized interventions like vaccinations and digital solutions. Despite progress, challenges including funding shortages still threaten efforts against malaria, which remains a leading cause of illness in the country with significant hospitalizations and deaths.
Mozambique is proudly announcing a 12 percent drop in malaria cases this year, marking progress in its battle against the disease as the country observed World Malaria Day on Friday. In a resonant call amplified by the World Health Organization (WHO), President Daniel Chapo urged for a more robust global response to malaria. He emphasized the need for well-established interventions such as vaccinations, indoor residual spraying, the dissemination of mosquito nets, and seasonal chemoprevention, which delivers antimalarial medication to children during peak risk periods.
Chapo reaffirmed Mozambique’s dedicated strategy for malaria control that aligns with the national governance plan. He stressed the essential role of international cooperation and public-private partnerships. Despite the achievements, he raised concerns about the threats posed by inadequate funding and limited resources, which could hinder the effective measures being executed on the ground.
Malaria remains a significant health threat in Mozambique, particularly given its transmission through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It’s a major cause of illness and fatalities in the nation, with reports indicating over 11.5 million cases and at least 358 recorded deaths last year. A WHO report suggests that actual malaria-related deaths could be as high as 22,000 annually when accounting for those occurring outside hospitals.
The current numbers for 2024 reflect modest improvements despite the challenges, with over 11.5 million cases, approximately 67,000 hospitalizations, and that same 358 in-hospital fatalities noted. Mozambique continues to struggle with being the fifth-highest malaria burden country worldwide, grappling with limited healthcare resources and a climate conducive to year-round breeding of malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes.
The government of Mozambique has initiated various measures to control malaria. Notably, the country is one of 14 in Africa to implement childhood malaria vaccinations in 2024. This is particularly crucial as the WHO African Region bears a heavy burden of malaria, accounting for 246 million cases and a staggering 569,000 deaths in 2023, with children under five representing 76 percent of those fatalities.
Mozambican scientists contributed to the production of the R21 malaria vaccine, which began administration in the country last August. About 300,000 infants aged 6 to 11 months in Zambézia province have already received their initial doses. Research suggests that while nearly a third of children contract malaria, a single R21 dose can reduce infections by 66 percent, and the complete regimen further extends protection.
Furthermore, the government is leveraging digital technology in its fight against malaria. Historically, the Ministry of Health maintained manual records, which delayed data collection and hindered effective response strategies. However, the introduction of the Integrated Malaria Information System in 2022 has modernized data management, integrating four key data systems into a user-friendly dashboard. This transformation has dramatically reduced campaign durations from weeks to just five days, enhancing resource allocations like mosquito nets.
If bolstered by adequate funding, these innovative approaches including digitalization and vaccine distribution could enhance the fight against malaria significantly in Mozambique.
In summary, Mozambique’s recent 12 percent reduction in malaria cases, observed on World Malaria Day, demonstrates modest but vital progress in the ongoing battle against the disease. With the introduction of influential interventions like childhood vaccinations and improved data systems, coupled with international partnerships, the country aims to escalate its malaria control efforts. However, challenges like funding instability continue to loom large, underscoring the need for sustained support and collaboration moving forward.
Original Source: macaonews.org
