Mozambique Reports 12% Decrease in Malaria Cases Amid Global Calls for Action

Mozambique has reported a 12 percent drop in malaria cases as of 2024. On World Malaria Day, President Daniel Chapo emphasized the need for evidence-based interventions and international collaboration to combat the disease. The country faces significant challenges, including inadequate funding and limited healthcare resources, despite notable advancements such as the rollout of malaria vaccinations and digital data management systems.

Mozambique observed World Malaria Day last Friday, emphasizing the need for a stronger global response to combat malaria, with a call echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO). President Daniel Chapo highlighted the necessity for adopting evidence-based interventions, including vaccinations, indoor residual spraying, distribution of mosquito nets, and seasonal chemoprevention, which involves treating children at high risk with antimalarial medicine during vulnerable periods.

In his statement, President Chapo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to malaria control as detailed in Mozambique’s national governance plan. He urged deeper collaborations with international organizations and public-private partners. Despite progress being made, challenges like insufficient funding and limited access to resources pose a significant threat to efforts combating malaria in the nation.

Spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, malaria can prove fatal without early diagnosis and treatment. The disease is among the top causes of illness and death in Mozambique. Last year saw over 11.5 million cases and at least 358 deaths within hospitals—though actual death tolls might be higher. A WHO report for 2023 suggested an alarming estimation of 22,000 malaria-related fatalities annually.

For 2024, the reported figures indicate over 11.5 million cases, approximately 67,000 hospital admissions, and 358 in-hospital deaths. This reflects a modest improvement, with cases down 12 percent, hospitalizations decreased by 4 percent, and deaths by just 1 percent. Unfortunately, Mozambique holds the fifth-highest malaria burden globally, with healthcare resources severely limited and a climate conducive to year-round breeding of the
Anopheles mosquitoes responsible for malaria transmission.

In an effort to manage malaria, the Mozambican government has implemented various strategies, becoming one of 14 African nations to launch childhood malaria vaccination campaigns in 2024. This decision is especially pressing as the WHO African Region shoulders a notable share of the world’s malaria burden, recording 246 million cases and 569,000 deaths in 2023, with children under five representing approximately 76 percent of deaths in the area.

The R21 vaccine, produced with the help of Mozambican scientists, was first administered last August in Zambézia province, targeting around 300,000 children aged 6 to 11 months. Notably, around 32 percent of children in Mozambique contract malaria, and studies suggest a single R21 dose could reduce disease incidence by as much as 66 percent, with a full four-dose regimen providing lasting protection.

On the digital front, the government is also modernizing its approach. Previously, records within the Ministry of Health’s malaria control program were maintained manually, leading to sluggish data collection and analysis processes. A new Integrated Malaria Information System, established in 2022, enhances efficiency by integrating four major data systems into a single, user-friendly dashboard.

These digital reforms have cut campaign durations from one to two weeks down to just five days and have allowed for more effective distribution of essential resources like mosquito nets. With adequate funding combined with technological advancements and vaccination campaigns, Mozambique stands a better chance at significantly reducing malaria prevalence in the near future.

In conclusion, Mozambique’s battle against malaria has made some gains, particularly highlighted on World Malaria Day 2024, with a 12 percent reduction in cases. Continued governmental commitment, international collaboration, and the rollout of vaccines like R21, bolstered by digital advancements, hold promise for further progress in combatting this deadly disease. However, challenges such as funding and healthcare resources remain critical factors that must be addressed for sustained success.

Original Source: macaonews.org