Context:
As per the World Malaria Report 2023, there’s a declining trend in malaria cases in India, even as the global numbers are on the rise.
- For the 1st time, it includes a dedicated chapter focused on the intersection between climate change and malaria.
World Malaria Report 2023:
- Published by – World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Aim – To provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of trends in malaria control and elimination across the globe.
Key findings:
- Global Scenario –
- There were 249 million cases in 2022, 5 million more than in 2021.
- Globally, the malaria deaths were higher than in 2019 but the malaria mortality rate decreases (i.e. deaths per 100000 populations at risk) continuously and is now at 14.3 in 2022.
- WHO certified malaria-free countries this year – Azerbaijan, Belize, and Tajikistan
- Indian Scenario –
- There were around 33 lakh malaria cases and 5,000 deaths in India last year, a decrease of 30% and 34 % respectively compared with 2021.
The intersection between climate change and malaria:
- Variations in temperature, humidity, and rainfall can alter the behavior and lifespan of the Anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria.
- Extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves and floods, can have a direct effect on disease transmission and the overall burden of the disease. For example, devastating flood in Pakistan in 2022, which resulted in a five-fold increase in malaria cases in the country.
- Fluctuations in climate have also contributed to malnutrition, which is a risk factor for severe malaria in young children and expectant mothers.
In 2023, the R21/Matrix-M (R21) malaria vaccine became the 2nd vaccine recommended by WHO to prevent malaria in children.
Must Read: Malaria and Mosquirix | Genetic Control of Mosquitoes
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
(b) Converting crop residues into packing material
(c) Producing biodegradable plastics
(d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass
Answer: (a)
