Malaria deaths up 20pc despite interventions –Global Fund report
Since 2002, Kenya has received a total of Sh59.6 billion ($0.46 billion) to support malaria control and strengthen community health systems across the country.
Kenya has seen a worrying 20 percent increase in malaria deaths over the past 12 years, underscoring the challenges in controlling the disease, a new report shows.
The Global Fund Results Report 2024, on the state of malaria fight shows that deaths increased from 10,000 in 2010 to 12,000 in 2022, despite significant improvements in key prevention and diagnostic initiatives.
The increase in deaths is linked to factors such as altitude, rainfall, and temperature, which expose about 75 percent of Kenya's population to the risk of malaria.
"Malaria remains a major global health challenge. Factors such as conflict, climate change, and increasing insecticide resistance are threatening the significant gains made by the Global Fund partnership against malaria over the past two decades," the Global Fund said in the report.
"By reducing the burden of malaria, we are freeing up capacity in primary care clinics and hospitals to treat other diseases. When people with symptomatic malaria do not receive appropriate care, their health needs increase and health systems are put under additional strain to meet their needs. Investing in malaria can reduce the number of people who become infected and the health care needs of those living with malaria."
The report shows a slight decline in the incidence rate of malaria cases per 1,000 people at risk, from 66 percent to 63 percent over the period, suggesting some success in reducing new infections, but also highlighting the need for intensified efforts to achieve more significant reductions.
Public health initiatives have greatly improved access to bed nets, with coverage increasing from 39 percent in 2010 to 60 percent in 2022.
Net use also increased from 34 percent to 52 percent, reflecting growing acceptance of this key preventive measure.
In addition, testing for suspected malaria cases reached 91 percent in 2022, highlighting improved diagnostic efforts the country is employing to curb malaria deaths.
Over the past decade, Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against malaria, with the prevalence rate falling from 8.2 percent in 2015 to 6 percent in 2023. Nearly 56 million long-lasting insecticidal nets have been distributed since 2014.
According to the Global Fund, to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3 target of ending malaria as a public health threat by 2030, countries should aim to reduce malaria incidence and mortality by at least 90 percent by 2030, compared to 2015 levels.
"To end malaria, we must accelerate access to life-saving tools for those who need them most, especially children under five and pregnant women in malaria-endemic countries like Kenya," the Global Fund said.
In June, Kenya signed a Sh9.3 billion ($72.9 million) grant agreement with the Global Fund to finance malaria interventions over three years, from July 2024 to June 2027. The main goal is to reduce malaria incidence and deaths by 75 percent by 2027.
Since 2002, Kenya has received a total of Sh59.6 billion ($0.46 billion) to support malaria control and strengthen community health systems across the country.
Despite this progress, experts say that the alarming rise in malaria deaths is cause for concern, suggesting that factors such as delayed treatment, increasing drug resistance, and disparities in access to healthcare are contributing to this worrying trend.
"While Kenya's progress in prevention and testing is commendable, the rising death toll underscores the urgency of addressing systemic gaps and emerging challenges. Without a comprehensive strategy, the gains made in malaria control could be overshadowed by preventable losses," said Dr Elvis Ayodi, a Nairobi-based researcher.
“The Ministry of Health should intensify research and targeted interventions to bridge the gap between prevention efforts and survival outcomes. Addressing health inequalities and investing in innovative solutions will be critical to reversing the rise in malaria-related deaths," he added.
