World Malaria Day on April 25th each year reminds all to intensify the fight against one of humanity’s killer diseases; Malaria. The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world” underscores our collective responsibility to protect vulnerable groups, notably pregnant women and children under five (5).
Pregnant women and children under five (5) continue to bear the burden of malaria’s impact. Shockingly, in 2022 alone, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 malaria deaths reported globally, with children under five (5) accounting for approximately 80 percent of all malaria deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
In Ghana, where resources are scarce and healthcare systems are still evolving, malaria remains a daunting public health challenge. Pregnant women who may have weak immune systems are highly susceptible to malaria which leads to severe complications for both mother and child including maternal anemia, low birth weight, premature birth, and in the worst cases maternal death.
Nevertheless, there’s cause for optimism amidst these ominous statistics. Significant strides can be made in reducing malaria cases and deaths by increasing funding, political commitment, and the widespread adoption of proven interventions.
Key strategies such as improving healthcare systems, enhancing surveillance and response mechanisms, promoting research and innovation and mobilizing communities underscore the importance of effectively addressing the social determinants of malaria management. It is also imperative to provide access to preventive measures such as intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) and insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) to shield pregnant women from malaria’s grasp.
By prioritizing the most vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children under five (5), a future where malaria’s grip loosens is paved. Together, we harness our collective strength to push back against malaria and ensure a malaria-free world.
