THE GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MALARIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant global public health challenge, despite substantial progress in its control over the past two decades. A comprehensive understanding of its current epidemiology is crucial for guiding eradication efforts. This systematic review aims to synthesize recent evidence on the global distribution, temporal trends, at-risk populations, and dominant Plasmodium species of human malaria. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2015 and December 2023. Keywords included "malaria epidemiology," "global burden," "Plasmodium falciparum," "Plasmodium vivax," "malaria incidence," and "malaria mortality." Studies were included if they reported on national or global epidemiological trends, burden of disease, or population-specific risk. The burden of malaria is overwhelmingly concentrated in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, which accounted for approximately 94% of all cases and 95% of deaths in 2022 . Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent and deadly species, particularly in Africa. However, Plasmodium vivax poses a significant challenge outside of Africa due to its dormant liver stages (hypnozoites), which can cause relapses (Price et al., 2021). Children under five years of age and pregnant women bear the highest burden of severe disease and mortality. While global incidence and mortality rates declined steadily from 2000 to 2015, progress has stalled and even reversed in some regions since then, exacerbated by disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of insecticide and drug resistance .The epidemiology of malaria is characterized by a disproportionate burden in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by P. falciparum and affecting the most vulnerable populations. Current control strategies are threatened by biological challenges and external shocks, necessitating sustained investment, innovative tools, and tailored approaches to resume the path toward elimination.

Key words: Malaria, p.vivax, plasmodium.

Received Date: February 26, 2024                  

Accepted Date: March 18, 2024                  

Published Date: April 01, 2024

Available Online at https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/481