Malaria Research

Impact   |   Global Perspective

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The Global Impact of Malaria

         The global impact of malaria on Africa, South America, and Asia necessitates the development of more effective antimalarial drugs, vaccines, and prophylactic interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, these efforts face challenges due to the complex life cycle of Plasmodium parasites, including the dormant hypnozoite stage of P. vivax. Drugs like artemisinin are becoming obsolete as Plasmodium parasites develop resistance, and cross-resistance to artemisinin derivatives in combination therapies affects endemic regions. Similarly, quinoline faces rising resistance against Plasmodium populations. Limited access to resources, medications such as artemisinin or quinoline derivatives, and the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine hampers efforts to control and eradicate malaria. Developing a novel antimalarial derivative that targets specific stages of the Plasmodium life cycle with enhanced efficacy and resistance circumvention would contribute to the global effort to eradicate malaria.

TLDR; Malaria greatly affects Africa, South America, and Asia, so better drugs, vaccines, and prevention methods are needed. However, the parasite’s complex life cycle and increasing drug resistance make this difficult. Limited access to resources, medications, and vaccines also hinder malaria control. Creating new antimalarial drugs targeting specific parasite stages could help in the global fight against malaria.

WHO Reported Numbers with Focus on Africa

         The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 241 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2020, with Africa being the most affected region, accounting for 95% of total cases. Most cases in Africa occurred in pregnant women and children under 5 years old. In contrast, Asia experienced a significantly lower burden, with only 2% of all malarial cases. In 2020, six African countries—Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Angola, and Burkina Faso—accounted for 228 million of the 241 million total cases. Additionally, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Mozambique were responsible for 602,000 of the 627,000 malaria-related deaths. Africa is home to Anopheles female mosquitoes, which act as vectors in transmitting Plasmodium species, resulting in non-complicated malaria (WHO, 2021).

         In 2020, there were 241 million malaria cases globally, with 95% in Africa, mainly affecting pregnant women and young children. Asia had only 2% of cases. Six African countries had most cases, and four were responsible for most malaria-related deaths. Anopheles mosquitoes in Africa transmit the malaria-causing parasites.

TLDR; In 2020, there were 241 million malaria cases globally, with 95% in Africa, mainly affecting pregnant women and young children. Asia had only 2% of cases. Six African countries had most cases, and four were responsible for most malaria-related deaths. Anopheles mosquitoes in Africa transmit the malaria-causing parasites.

 Faculty contributor(s)

• Dr. Duffy, a virologist who described the microbiology of Plasmodium parasites that gives them an edge to develop antimalarial resistance.