from to

MALARIA
Almost half the world’s population, living in nearly 100 countries and territories, are at risk of malaria.
There are an estimated 214 million cases and approximately 438 000 deaths in 2015 – most of these in
children under five living in Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden of the disease, accounting
for 89% of cases and 91% of deaths. More than two thirds of malaria deaths occur in children under five.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The incidence rate of malaria is estimated to have decreased by 37%
globally between 2000 and 2015 and malaria mortality rates have
fallen by 60% (Figure 5.14). Hence the MDG Target 6.C (to have halted
by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria) has been met.
Of 106 countries with ongoing transmission of malaria in 2000, 102
are estimated to have met the MDG target of reversing the incidence
of malaria. An increasing number of countries have moved towards
eliminating malaria from within their borders. In 2014, 13 countries
with malaria in 2000 reported zero indigenous cases. Another six
countries reported fewer than 10 cases. 10
The coverage of key interventions has increased dramatically during
the MDG era. In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 68% of children
under five were sleeping under an ITN in 2015, compared to less
than 2% in 2000. (Figure 5.15). 10 Coverage of at least one dose of
intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) increased from
less than 5% in 2000 to 57% by 2013. The proportion of suspected
malaria cases that was tested for parasites rose from 47% in 2010
(when the WHO recommendation to test all suspected malaria cases
was introduced) to 62% in 2013, mainly due to an increase in the
use of rapid diagnostic tests. By 2013, ACT had been adopted as the
national policy for first-line treatment in 79 of 87 countries in which
P. falciparum is endemic. 43 However, treatment with appropriate
antimalarial drugs continues to be inadequate with an estimated 13%
of febrile children receiving ACTs in 2015.
Figure 5.15
Proportion of children under five sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito
nets, sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–2015 10
(%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2000 2000 2005 2010 2015
SUCCESS FACTORS
Increased funding: Annual funding for malaria control and elimination
totalled US$ 2.7 billion in 2013. International financing for malaria
control has increased 20 fold since 2000, reaching US$ 2.2 billion
in 2013. Domestic investments have also increased year on year. 10
Innovation: Programmes have benefited from technologies that were
not available in 2000, including LLIN, rapid diagnostic tests and ACTs.
Figure 5.14
Global trends in malaria incidence and mortality rates, 2000–2015 10
Incidence or mortality rate
Cases per 1000 population at risk
Deaths per 100 000 population at risk
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2000 2000 2005 2010 2015
Partnership and advocacy: The Roll Back Malaria Partnership, comprising
more than 500 partners, was established in 2001 as a global framework
to mobilize resources, forge consensus among partners and implement
coordinated action against malaria.
Planning and programming: Malaria control is now high on the agenda
of ministries of health and international agencies, which have aligned
their malaria control policies with WHO recommendations. They also
united their efforts around a Global Malaria Action Plan developed in
response to a call for universal access to malaria interventions by the
UN Secretary-General in 2008. Malaria-endemic countries have defined
national strategies aiming to ensure that cost-effective interventions
are accessible to all in need. Effective partnerships have been formed
at the country level to help implement national strategic plans.
Economic development and rising incomes have also contributed to
reductions in malaria incidence and mortality. Among the many benefits
of increased prosperity is the strengthening of health systems that
have reduced both the risk of acquiring malaria and the consequences
of infection.
116 HEALTH IN 2015: FROM MDGs TO SDGs