By Chisomo Phiri
Health experts at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) have embarked on research to find a permanent treatment for malaria in the country
Speaking on Wednesday in Blantyre during the Malawi colloquium event which celebrated the contributions and impact of pediatric research, KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor MacPherson Mallewa said their goal is to ensure that by 2030, no one in the country will die from malaria.
Mallewa revealed that their team is also working to identify the causes of brain swelling and develop new treatments for pediatric cerebral malaria.
The Vice Chancellor praised the work of Dr. Ankie Borgstein, Dr. Malcolm Molyneux, and Terrie Taylor, who have been instrumental in researching malaria causes and treatments, as well as building capacity for health workers in the country.
Malaria remains a significant public health issue in Malawi, with the entire population of 20 million plus at risk of infection.
Notably, children under the age of five continue bearing the highest burden of the disease.
The country accounts for 2% of malaria cases worldwide and is among the top 15 countries with a high malaria burden.
In 2022, Africa was home to 94% of malaria cases (233 million) and 95% (580 000) of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the region according to the 2023 World Malaria Report.
However, each day breeds hope to have malaria eliminated in at least 30 countries by 2030 as per the 2016-2030 global technical strategy for malaria.
