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According to the WHO, malaria kills 400,000 people each year; 94% of deaths occur in Africa, while 67% are children under the age of five.
A female feeding ‘Anopheles sinensis’ mosquito on a human hand. Image: CDC / James Gathany.
JOHANNESBURG – The Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, Dr. Matshediso Moeti, said that the focus and funding of COVID-19 should not be allowed to disrupt other immunization priorities.
Moeti is leading activities to commemorate World Immunization Week on the continent.
She said vaccines have helped prevent diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.
According to the WHO, malaria kills 400,000 people each year; 94% of deaths occur in Africa, while 67% are children under the age of five.
Moeti said the continent should not lower its guard over immunization against other diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, as this can increase the risk of fatal outbreaks.
“A recent analysis has found that if the distribution of insecticide-treated bednets stops and case management is reduced, malaria could double compared to 2018. This would be the highest number of deaths observed in the region since 2000, so I urge and courage all countries to sustain malaria interventions. “
She said the partners must still be fully funded so they can continue to strengthen health systems, support health workers and save lives.
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