Malaria Cases Rise as Climate Change Fuels Spread

 

🌍 What Is Happening?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a worrying rise in malaria cases and deaths, driven by climate change, drug resistance, and funding gaps.

In 2023, there were 249 million cases of malaria worldwide—an increase of 5 million from the previous year.
Over 608,000 deaths were recorded, most of them children under 5 in Africa.

🔴 Why is this important?

• Warmer temperatures and heavy rains create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

• Malaria parasites are becoming resistant to medicines and insecticides.

• Progress made over the last 20 years is being reversed.

✅ Regions Most Affected:

• Sub-Saharan Africa (95% of cases).

• Southeast Asia.

• Parts of Latin America.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said:

“Climate change is reshaping where malaria spreads and making it harder to control.”

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💔 Why Should We Care?

Malaria is preventable and treatable, but without action, deaths will keep rising.

🚨 Symptoms (appear 10–15 days after mosquito bite):

• High fever.

• Chills and sweating.

• Headache.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Muscle pain.

• Severe anemia in children.

🔍 Complications:

• Cerebral malaria (brain swelling).

• Organ failure.

• Death within 24 hours if severe cases are untreated.

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🌱 What Can We Do About It?

✅ Protect yourself and your family:
1️⃣ Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.
2️⃣ Wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellent.
3️⃣ Clear stagnant water around homes.
4️⃣ Seek early diagnosis and complete treatment.
5️⃣ Support vaccination efforts (WHO recently recommended RTS,S malaria vaccine for children).

Dr. Moeti explained:

“The malaria vaccine is a game changer. But we still need nets, spraying, and early treatment to end malaria.”

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🧠 Expert Words

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said:

“Malaria takes a child’s life nearly every minute. We must act urgently.”

WHO is:

• Scaling up mosquito control.

• Supporting vaccine delivery across Africa.

• Helping countries strengthen health systems to prevent and treat malaria.