Climate change is driving a ‘shift’ in childhood malaria risk across Africa
A new study published in Nature reveals that climate change is shifting the geographic risk of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. While some regions face increased risk due to warming, others see a decrease, though public health policy remains the primary driver of disease outcomes.
Why it matters
Understanding the intersection of climate change and infectious disease is vital for effective public health planning and resource allocation in vulnerable regions.
Share Rising temperatures are redistributing the risk of childhood malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in areas of “new risk” in the east and south of the continent, but also “relief hotspots” in western Africa.
This is according to a new study, published in Nature , which provides the “ most comprehensive look to date at the impact of climate change on any infectious disease”.
The research finds that since the year 1900, climate change has resulted in one extra case of malaria for every 1,000 children in sub-Saharan Africa on average.
Over the 21st century, climate change is expected to drive down malaria rates across the continent on average, as temperatures rise above the optimum range for mosquitoes.
However, the authors emphasise that continent-wide averages hide more detailed local trends.
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