Mozambique Sees 12 Percent Drop in Malaria Cases, Advocates for…

Mozambique announces a 12 percent reduction in malaria cases as of 2024, highlighted during World Malaria Day. President Chapo calls for wider adoption of effective interventions while emphasizing the importance of global collaboration. The country has initiated a childhood vaccine rollout and improved data systems to combat the disease, but struggles with funding and resources continue to pose challenges.

Mozambique recently observed World Malaria Day with a renewed emphasis on enhancing global action against malaria, a call that was also reinforced by the World Health Organization (WHO), as reported by the Chinese news agency Xinhua. President Daniel Chapo emphasized the necessity for implementing effective interventions such as vaccination, indoor spraying of insecticides, distribution of mosquito nets, and seasonal chemoprevention, which involves giving medical treatment to children during high-risk periods for malaria.

Chapo reiterated the government’s commitment to the malaria control strategies detailed in Mozambique’s national governance plan. He urged for intensified collaboration with international organizations and public-private partners, highlighting that even though Mozambique has made noteworthy advancements, lingering challenges such as insufficient funding and lack of resources might hinder their ongoing battle against malaria.

Malaria, transmitted via infected mosquito bites, can escalate quickly, leading to severe health consequences. It remains one of the predominant health threats in Mozambique, with over 11.5 million cases and around 358 registered deaths last year, though total fatalities might be considerably underreported. The WHO estimates around 22,000 deaths annually due to malaria within the country, underlining the necessity for better diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Looking at the statistics for 2024, despite high numbers, there is a slight improvement — cases decreased by 12 percent while hospital admissions dropped 4 percent and in-hospital deaths reduced marginally by 1 percent. Nevertheless, Mozambique ranks fifth in the world in terms of malaria burden, grappling with limited healthcare resources to combat the disease effectively. The country’s climate continues to facilitate the year-round breeding of Anopheles mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading this serious illness.

In response, the government has initiated various strategies aimed at combating malaria, including the rollout of childhood malaria vaccines, making Mozambique one of 14 African nations to do so in 2024. This undertaking is vital as the WHO African Region accounts for a staggering 246 million malaria cases, or 94 percent of the global count, and 95 percent of malaria-related deaths — a concerning reality for children under five, who represent 76 percent of these fatalities.

The R21 malaria vaccine, co-developed by Mozambican scientists, was first administered last August, reaching approximately 300,000 children aged 6 to 11 months in Zambézia province who received their first of four doses. With nearly one-third (32 percent) of Mozambican children contracting malaria, a single dose of R21 can potentially reduce cases by up to 66 percent, while the complete vaccine regimen offers longer-term protection.

Additionally, the Mozambican government is embracing digital tools in its fight against malaria. Traditionally, health records in the Ministry of Health’s malaria control program were managed manually, complicating data collection and response. However, the creation of the Integrated Malaria Information System in 2022 has merged several data systems into a user-friendly dashboard, allowing for faster data analysis and improved resource allocation.

Thanks to these digital advancements, malaria campaign durations have significantly decreased from weeks to just five days. If combined with adequate funding, the blend of vaccination efforts and digitalization stands to drastically reduce malaria incidence across Mozambique.

In summary, Mozambique is making commendable progress in its fight against malaria, with a reported 12 percent drop in cases this year. As President Daniel Chapo stresses the need for strong collaborations and innovative strategies — including a new malaria vaccine rollout and improved digital data systems — these efforts could prove critical in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by this disease. Enhanced funding and global partnerships will likely play pivotal roles in sustaining these achievements and ultimately reducing malaria’s burden further in the country and beyond.

Original Source: macaonews.org