Experts indicate that climate change is driving a surge in malaria cases and other mosquito-borne diseases in Africa, with rising temperatures influencing disease spread into new regions. Significant health threats are identified, particularly in Kenya’s highlands, prompting urgent calls for improved surveillance and public health strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of these changes.
Climate change is contributing significantly to the increase of malaria cases and other mosquito-borne diseases in Africa. Rising temperatures are altering disease patterns, leading to outbreaks in regions previously untouched, as highlighted by health experts. Notably, Dr. Dorothy Memusi, an accomplished academic and former deputy director of Kenya’s malaria division, remarked on the emergence of malaria in highland areas such as the Rift Valley, areas once characterized by low malaria prevalence.
Dr. Memusi presented evidence that illustrates an alarming trend in Kenya, where subtle climate changes correlate with the resurgence of malaria. The World Health Organization’s report emphasizes that climate change is poised to cause an estimated 550,000 additional malaria-related deaths in Africa between 2030 and 2049. Memusi elaborated that as temperatures rise, the lifecycle of the malaria parasite accelerates, diminishing the time frame for mosquitoes to become infectious.
Research indicates that a slight increase in temperature can dramatically enhance malaria transmission rates in highland regions. Furthermore, rainfall greatly affects the habitat and population sizes of mosquitoes, which are key factors in malaria propagation. Memusi underscores the need for vigilance, warning that predicting the precise impact of climate change on malaria transmission may be complex due to interrelated factors such as human activities and demographic changes.
Dr. Willis Akhwale, a medical doctor and adviser to the Kenya End Malaria Council, asserts that the rise in malaria incidences is increasingly attributed to drug resistance in malaria parasites, alongside inadequate pesticide usage. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong surveillance and preparedness as essential components of malaria control strategies. He advocates for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and enhancing capacities to mitigate disease transmission and prevent future epidemics.
In conclusion, climate change is significantly amplifying the incidence of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in Africa, particularly in regions that have not historically experienced such outbreaks. Experts like Dr. Dorothy Memusi and Dr. Willis Akhwale stress the importance of understanding and monitoring these changes, as well as addressing drug resistance and improving public health responses. An integrated approach combining surveillance, treatment, and strategic interventions will be crucial to combat the rising burden of malaria in the context of climate change.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
