logo
Science Portal
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5153.produseast1
About MSF Science Portal
About
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5153.produseast1
The potential public health consequences of COVID-19 on malaria in Africa | Journal Article / Letter | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Letter

The potential public health consequences of COVID-19 on malaria in Africa

Sherrard Smith E, Hogan AB, Hamlet A, Watson OJ, Whittaker C, Winskill P, Ali F, Mohammad AB, Uhomboibhi P, Maikore I, Ogbulafor N, Nikau J, Kont MD, Challenger JD, Verity R, Lambert B, Cairns M, Rao B, Baguelin M, Whittles LK, Lees JA, Bhatia S, Knock ES, Okell LC, Slater HC, Ghani AC, Walker PGT, Okoko OO, Churcher TS
Download

Similar Content
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Abstract
The burden of malaria is heavily concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where cases and deaths associated with COVID-19 are rising. In response, countries are implementing societal measures aimed at curtailing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Despite these measures, the COVID-19 epidemic could still result in millions of deaths as local health facilities become overwhelmed. Advances in malaria control this century have been largely due to distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), with many SSA countries having planned campaigns for 2020. In the present study, we use COVID-19 and malaria transmission models to estimate the impact of disruption of malaria prevention activities and other core health services under four different COVID-19 epidemic scenarios. If activities are halted, the malaria burden in 2020 could be more than double that of 2019. In Nigeria alone, reducing case management for 6 months and delaying LLIN campaigns could result in 81,000 (44,000-119,000) additional deaths. Mitigating these negative impacts is achievable, and LLIN distributions in particular should be prioritized alongside access to antimalarial treatments to prevent substantial malaria epidemics.

Countries

Nigeria

Subject Area

Covid-19malaria

Languages

English
DOI
10.1038/s41591-020-1025-y
Published Date
07 Aug 2020
PubMed ID
32770167
Journal
Nature Medicine
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 26, Issue 9, Pages 1411–1416
Issue Date
2020-08-07
Dimensions Badge