Climate change leads to increase in malaria cases in northern Kenya
Published: Monday, Oct 28th 2024, 18:50
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Despite a general decline in malaria in Kenya, there has been an increase in malaria cases in the north of the country. The study with Swiss participation suggests that climate change has contributed to this increase.
Increased rainfall and mild temperatures would create ideal conditions for the spread of mosquitoes, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) announced on Monday. Changes in land use such as mining and deforestation would also contribute to this increase.
The study also examined the effects of urbanization on malaria. Malaria rates are lower in areas with more built-up areas and more night-time lighting. This decline can probably be explained by the improved infrastructure and better access to healthcare and prevention measures, the study continued.
The results would underline the need for targeted, region-specific malaria strategies that take into account seasonal and climatic differences. In order to protect endangered regions, proven measures such as mosquito nets and seasonal chemoprevention must be supplemented by new methods such as the use of insect sprays or modern insecticides.
The study published together with the Kenya Medical Research Institute in the "International Journal of Health Geographics" shows that Kenya recorded a promising decline in malaria prevalence from eight to six percent between 2015 and 2020. Among children under the age of five - who are particularly at risk - the figures fell by 31 percent and among children between the ages of five and 14 by 26 percent.
Swiss TPH is one of the leading institutions in the global fight against malaria. More than 200 researchers are dedicated to the development of new diagnostics, therapies and control strategies.
©Keystone/SDA
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