As global warming continues to disrupt the environment, one of the many implications we must consider is the effect on malaria. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease characterized by debilitating symptoms such as fever, chills and sweating, and it continues to be a serious public health issue in many countries today. It has been repeatedly proven that global warming has a direct effect on the prevalence of malaria in a region.
Experts agree that global warming has a direct and measurable effect on the spread of malaria. An increase in temperatures make conditions more favorable for mosquitoes, enabling them to feed more often, grow faster and survive longer. This increases the chances of a population becoming infected with the parasite that causes malaria. Additionally, warmer temperatures also increase the speed at which the Plasmodium parasite develops, thus reducing the amount of time it takes for an individual to become ill. As such, rising temperatures due to global warming will lead to an increase in malaria cases.
Malaria transmission is also influenced by rainfall and humidity – both of which are expected to increase with global warming. Short spells of intense rain during the rainy season often increase the amount of standing water in areas prone to mosquitoes. This is an ideal breeding ground for the insects, and can lead to an increased prevalence of malaria. Changes in temperature will also affect the seasonality of malaria, as some regions may experience an extended prevalence of malaria, while others may suffer seasonal epidemics more frequently.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2018 found that the risk of malaria more than tripled in some African countries due to global warming. In Zimbabwe, the elevation of temperatures by an average of one degree celsius increased the country’s malarial prevalence by 8.25%. In Ethiopia, the risk of malaria exposure increased by 10.4%. These findings demonstrate the direct and immediate effects of global warming for malaria-endemic countries.
At present, there is limited action by governments to reduce global warming-related malaria. International agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement are likely to have a positive effect, but more immediate measures are needed. Insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, as well as improved education on prevention methods, can all help to reduce the impact of rising temperatures on malaria transmission.
Global warming is a complex and multifaceted issue that has drastic implications on human health, the environment and the economy. The effect of global warming on malaria is an example of just one of those implications. It is clear from current evidence that global warming and climate change can drastically impact the prevalence of malaria in an area, and proactive steps must be taken to combat this in the future.
