WHO warns of malaria fight on flat line

According to the World Health Organization, progress in eradicating malaria has stagnated in recent years, with an estimated more than 400,000 people dying from malaria last year.

WHO describes progress on mosquito-borne infections in the World Malaria Report 2020. disease Especially in African countries, they were at the mercy of incidents and death.

2019, global tally malaria The number of cases is estimated to be 229 million, which has been at the same level for the past four years.

On the other hand, it used to fall rapidly Number of deaths It has virtually stopped in the last two years.

After steadily declining from 736,000 in 2000, the disease killed 411,000 in 2018 and 409,000 in 2019.

“To change the global trajectory of the disease and achieve internationally agreed goals, better targeting of interventions, new tools, and increased funding are needed,” WHO said.

Call a weapon

The UN health agency said the lack of funding poses a “serious threat” and is only $ 3 billion of the $ 5.6 billion target raised in 2019.

“The lack of funding has created a significant gap in access to proven malaria control tools,” he said.

Countries have recently begun to adopt coordinated responses based on local data and intelligence, rather than a unified approach, in an attempt to maintain pressure on malaria.

Over 90% of the burden of illness is in Africa. The continent accounted for an estimated 384,000 malaria deaths last year.

“It’s time for leaders in Africa and around the world to face the challenge of malaria again,” said Tedros Adhanom Gebreez, Director General of WHO.

“Through joint action and a commitment to leave no one behind, we can achieve a common vision of a malaria-free world,” said former Ethiopian Health Minister.

In 2019, four countries accounted for almost half of all malaria cases worldwide. Nigeria (27%). Democratic Republic of the Congo (12 percent). Uganda (5 percent) and Mozambique (4 percent).

Coronavirus Concerns

According to the WHO report, most malaria prophylaxis campaigns proceeded without significant delays throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

However, there were concerns that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis could impede further progress due to efforts to flatten the disease.

“COVID-19 could further upset our efforts to overcome malaria, especially the treatment of people with malaria,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Director of Africa for Africa.

“Despite the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the African economy, international partners and countries have been able to secure resources to expand the malaria program that is making such a difference. We need to do more. “

WHO said that even moderate disruption of access to antimalarial treatments can lead to significant loss of life.

According to the report, a 10% interruption in access to effective treatments in sub-Saharan Africa could result in an additional 19,000 deaths.

Global progress

In the last 20 years, 21 countries have eradicated malaria, according to the report.

Outside of Africa, India has made remarkable progress over the past two years, with cases down 18% and deaths down 20%.

Despite the ongoing threat of antimalarial resistance, six countries in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia have made great strides towards the goal of eradicating malaria by 2030.

The number of malaria cases reported in the subregion decreased by 90% between 2000 and 2019.

© 2020 AFP