How can we prevent malaria and this is what we do about it

For years, malaria has been one of the deadliest diseases in the world, especially for young children and pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2020, there were as many as 249 million cases of malaria worldwide, leading to a staggering 627,000 deaths. As someone who deeply cares about global health, especially children, I’ve started to delve deeper into malaria prevention.

The prevention of malaria

Strengthening Vector Control Programs

Mosquitoes are the primary carries of the malaria parasite, so reducing their numbers is crucial in the fight against the disease. Vector control measures include:

• Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs):
  Distribution of bed nets treated with long-lasting insecticides can dramatically reduce malaria transmission. Ensuring that these nets are available to vulnerable populations is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent malaria.
• Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS):
  Spraying homes with insecticides can kill mosquitoes inside dwellings and reduce malaria transmission. It’s particularly effective in areas with a high concentration of malaria cases.
• Eliminating Breeding Sites: 
  Reducing the places where mosquitoes breed, such as stagnant water pools, can help lower mosquito populations. Local communities can be educated to clean up and eliminate standing water, especially after heavy rains.

Developing and distributing vaccines

Another major advancement in the fight against malaria is the development of vaccines. Malaria vaccines are becoming an essential tool in malaria prevention, especially for children in endemic areas. The development and distribution of these vaccines could ultimately help reduce malaria transmission rates. By making vaccines accessible to the populations who need them most, we can further our efforts to control and eliminate malaria.

The development of the RTS,S malaria vaccine (Mosquirix) represents a major step forward in fighting this disease. The RTS,S vaccine, approved for use in high-risk regions, reduces the risk of malaria by about 30%, and while it’s not a perfect solution, it’s a significant breakthrough in global health. It is the first malaria vaccine to show real promise, particularly when used alongside other preventive measures like insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying.

What excites me the most is the potential for this vaccine to save lives. Malaria is a disease that is preventable, and with vaccines, we can protect vulnerable children from this deadly threat. It’s a game-changer in regions where malaria remains a constant danger.

Combination of multiple solutions

But the vaccine isn’t the only solution—it works best when combined with other measures. When used together, vaccines, bed nets, and environmental management can reduce malaria transmission by up to 50%, according to studies.

What’s also crucial to me is making sure these life-saving vaccines reach those who need them most. Malaria disproportionately affects poor and remote communities, where access to healthcare is limited. It’s why organizations like The Global Fund and the Gates Foundation are so important—they’re working to ensure that malaria vaccines are distributed to the most vulnerable populations, giving children the chance to survive and thrive.

What we do about it

Personally, I’m doing what I can to support this cause—whether that’s raising awareness, donating to organizations working on the ground, or advocating for continued research into new vaccines and treatments. Malaria can be eradicated, and with vaccines like RTS,S, we’re getting closer to that reality. I believe that by working together, we can make a world where no child dies from this preventable disease, and where everyone has the chance to live a healthy life.

My takeaway

While malaria remains a significant global health issue, there are many steps that can be taken–both locally and internationally–to reduce its impact and eventually eliminate it. From improving healthcare access and vector control to supporting research and development, we can all contribute to the fight against malaria. By continuing to work together, we can make a real difference in saving lives, especially for vulnerable populations. The end of malaria is within reach, but it requires a coordinated, long-term commitment from governments, organizations, researchers, and communities worldwide.

Footnotes:

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Malaria vaccine: RTS,S/AS01. Retrieved from WHO
• Breman, J.G. (2021). The role of vaccines in malaria prevention. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from The Lancet
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (2021). Malaria Vaccine Development. Retrieved from Gates Foundation
• The Global Fund. (2020). Supporting the Malaria Vaccine. Retrieved from Global Fund