Lingering challenges in malaria elimination efforts in sub-Saharan Africa: Insights and potential solutions

Abstract

Introduction: Between 2000 and 2015, significant gains were recorded in reducing the global burden of malaria due to enhanced global collaboration and increased funding. However, progress has stagnated post-2015, and the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have reversed some of these gains, necessitating a critical reevaluation of interventions. This paper aims to analyze the setbacks and offer recommendations for advancement in malaria control and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: We conducted searches on Google Scholar, PubMed, and relevant organization websites to identify relevant studies on malaria control and prevention and associated challenges in sub-Saharan Africa from 2015 to the present. Additionally, studies on individual sub-Saharan African countries were reviewed to ensure comprehensiveness. Data from selected studies were extracted and analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach to offer a concise overview of the evidence.

Findings: We observe that the halt in progress of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa has deep roots in socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors. These challenges are exacerbated by the population explosion in the region, low coverage of interventions due to funding deficits and incessant crises, and the degradation of the efficacy of existing malaria commodities.

Conclusion: Sub-Saharan Africa is at a crossroads in its fight against malaria. Promising new frontiers such as malaria vaccines, preventive monoclonal antibodies, new-generation insecticide-treated nets, and potentially artificial intelligence-driven technologies offer hope in advancing malaria control and prevention in the region. Through commitment and collaboration, leveraging these opportunities can help surmount challenges and ultimately eliminate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Plasmodium spp; R21/Matrix‐MTM malaria vaccine; RTS; S; artemisinin combination therapy; insecticide treated net; malaria control and elimination; sub‐Saharan Africa; world malaria report.

FIGURE 1

Environmental management processes for backward integration approach. Credit: Mokuolu et al.