Most importantly, it is necessary to note the substantial progress in the global malaria control and elimination effort. According to the 2019 World Malaria Report, 47 of 87 endemic countries reported fewer than 10,000 annual cases, and 24 — fewer than 100 cases per year (as cited in Rosenthal et al., 2019). However, sub-Saharan Africa remains a problematic region, responsible for approximately 90% of the global malaria burden (Rosenthal et al., 2019). In addition, the malaria incidence increased in ten highest-burden African countries (Rosenthal et al., 2019). In this regard, it is evident that the global control effort should be focused on Africa. Local governments should be provided with financial and professional medical aid in order to reverse the unfavorable trend. While successes in low-burden regions are commendable, the real frontline of the war against malaria is located in vulnerable, high-transmission countries.
Additional eradication efforts will require increased funding; such organizations as Global Fund are vital for continuous progress. Despite the fact that malaria control funding increased significantly in the early 21st century, it never reached more than 50% of actual needs (Rosenthal et al., 2019). National governments can contribute to anti-malaria campaigns through bilateral and multilateral programs. However, significant responsibility also lies on the endemic countries that must make internal investments in malaria control and elimination activities. According to Rosenthal et al. (2019), funding should be allocated for vaccine development, diagnostics, and drugs for treatment and prevention. Finally, finding the right balance between elimination and control is crucial. While the promise of total malaria elimination in low-burden countries may be lucrative, disease control in high-burden countries must not be neglected. The available funds must be distributed fairly in order to achieve gradual progress in both areas of anti-malaria effort.
Reference
Rosenthal, P. J., John, C. C., & Rabinovich, N. R. (2019). Malaria: How are we doing and how can we do better? The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 100(2), 239-241.