Professional paper

Malaria - Monitoring and Combating the Global Epidemic

Valentina Ješić, ; Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Medicine and Pain Management, KBC Sestre milosrdnice, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Nikolina Blažević ; Department of surgery, surgery department, OB Ivo Pedišić, Ul. Josipa Juraj Strossmayer 59, 44000, Sisak, Croatia

Abstract

Malaria, one of the most serious infectious diseases caused by the Plasmodium parasite,
significantly impacts global health. Transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles
mosquito, the disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. While malaria is
treatable, it poses serious health problems, particularly in Africa, where the burden of the
disease is highest. Climate factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity, crucially
shape the environment for Anopheles mosquitoes, the vectors of malaria. Increasing
temperatures accelerate mosquito metabolism, elevating the risk of disease transmission.
Simultaneously, rainfall can support mosquito population growth while destroying their
breeding grounds. Climate change presents a serious challenge to malaria control, with
projections suggesting an increase in the number of cases, especially in Africa.
In November 2022, the WHO introduced the Strategy to Confront Antimalarial Drug Resistance
in Africa. This strategy focuses on four key areas, including strengthening drug efficacy
monitoring, optimizing diagnostic tools and therapies, limiting the spread of resistant parasites,
and promoting research and innovation. The global, social, and economic impact of malaria is
severe, straining healthcare systems, reducing productivity, and hindering economic
development. It also has serious social consequences, including the stigmatization of those
affected and a decrease in children's educational opportunities. Sustainable development and
malaria eradication require global collaboration, innovation, and access to treatment.
Multiple approaches to modeling the distribution of malaria vectors are crucial for
understanding and predicting disease spread. Statistical models like CLIMEX are calibrated
with parameters such as temperature and precipitation to project the potential redistribution of
Anopheles mosquitoes. Process-based models like MIASMA and MARA study the seasonal
transmission of malaria, while landscape modeling analyzes the potential hazard of malaria
spread in the present and future. Global collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach
considering socioeconomic factors are key to successful malaria control and eradication on a
global scale

Keywords

malaria, epidemic, vectors, prevention, vaccine

Hrčak ID:

318241

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/318241

Publication date:

30.6.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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