Transmitted to humans by the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria was responsible for 608,000 deaths in 2022: the African region is the most affected, with 94% of malaria cases recorded. Children under five are particularly affected by this infection and account for 80% of deaths.
What are the existing treatments? How to prevent this disease? Where are we with vaccination, when today there are 2 vaccines recommended by the WHO for children living in endemic areas?
- President Nicolas Vignierinfectious disease specialist atAvicenna Hospital in Bobigny and professor at the Sorbonne University Paris Nord
- Professor Herve Menan, professor of Parasitology and Mycology, head of the Department of Parasitology and Mycology at the UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences of the Félix Houphouët Boigny University of Abidjan in Ivory Coast, vice-president of African Society of Parasitology and director of CeDReS (Centre for Diagnostics and Research on AIDS and other infectious diseases).
► At the end of the broadcast we take stock Doctors Without Borderswhich warns of the era of the war wounded Sudan and more precisely in the South Hospital of Khartoum, where 16% of the war wounded are under 15 years old. Interview with Chiara San Filippoemergency coordinator for Sudan at Doctors Without Borders.
Music programming :
► hold – Case
► Keblack – going down
– What are the main challenges in combating malaria in Africa, according to Dr. Vignier?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Nicolas Vignier, Infectious Disease Specialist
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. Vignier. Thank you for joining us to discuss the pressing issue of malaria, particularly given its devastating impact as highlighted in your recent statistics. In 2022, we know malaria caused 608,000 deaths globally, with African regions bearing the brunt of this burden. Can you tell us why that region is so heavily affected?
Dr. Nicolas Vignier: Thank you for having me. The African region is particularly affected by malaria due to several factors. Primarily, the climate in many parts of Africa is conducive to the breeding of female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors of the disease. Additionally, socio-economic factors, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate disease management strategies all contribute to the higher prevalence of malaria in these regions.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. Children under the age of five account for a staggering 80% of malaria-related deaths. Why are children so vulnerable to this disease?
Dr. Nicolas Vignier: Children under five are at a higher risk because their immune systems are still developing. They have not yet built up immunity to malaria, which generally develops after repeated exposure in endemic areas. Moreover, malaria can progress very quickly in young children, leading to severe complications if not treated promptly.
Time.news Editor: Turning to treatment options, what existing treatments are available for malaria? How effective are they?
Dr. Nicolas Vignier: The treatment for malaria depends largely on the type and severity of the infection. The most common treatment for uncomplicated malaria is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which is very effective. In cases of severe malaria, intravenous antimalarial medications, like artesunate, are administered. However, resistance to treatment is an emerging concern and must be monitored closely.
Time.news Editor: Prevention is always better than cure. What preventive measures can be taken to combat malaria, especially in rural areas?
Dr. Nicolas Vignier: Absolutely. Prevention strategies mostly involve reducing mosquito exposure and transmission. This includes the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Community education on preventing bites is also vital.
Time.news Editor: The WHO recommends two vaccines for malaria for children living in endemic areas. Can you provide an update on the progress of these vaccines?
Dr. Nicolas Vignier: Yes, the two WHO-recommended vaccines are RTS,S/AS01, also known as Mosquirix, and R21/Matrix-M. Mosquirix has shown promising results and is already being deployed in several African countries. The R21 vaccine has recently shown high efficacy in trials and is currently undergoing evaluation for broader use. While these vaccines are not a standalone solution, they represent a crucial step in the fight against malaria when used in conjunction with other preventive measures.
Time.news Editor: It sounds hopeful, but challenges remain. With climate change and the potential expansion of mosquito habitats, how can we stay ahead in the fight against malaria?
Dr. Nicolas Vignier: Addressing malaria in the context of climate change means adapting our strategies continuously. This involves improving surveillance systems to track outbreaks accurately, investing in research and development for new treatments and vaccines, and ensuring that communities are resilient and equipped to manage mosquito populations effectively. Multi-sectoral collaboration, involving public health, environmental, and educational sectors, is essential in this global fight.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Vignier, for your insights today. Tackling malaria requires a comprehensive approach, and your expertise sheds light on both the challenges and the advances we are making.
Dr. Nicolas Vignier: Thank you for having me. Together, with continued efforts in research, treatment, and prevention, we can make significant strides against malaria.