A mini-review of sub-populations missing in the malaria control loop

Abstract

Background: The world malaria burden increased from an estimated 245 million incidents in 2020 to 247 million cases in 2021, and by the latest report, a further increase to 249 million cases. Where present, malaria affects people of all groups, irrespective of age, race, and social status.

Main body: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes however, a higher parasite biomass (99%) is found in men, while only one (1%) is found in mosquitoes. Humans migrate at a faster speed, covering more distance and traversing new geographical locations, compared to the malaria vectors. Street children and the homeless are among the nomadic sub-population groups that seem to be under-studied and under-served in the context of malaria elimination. Should elimination eventuate, a possibility exists for these neglected people groups to service malaria disease resurgence, if they remain untracked, untested and untreated.

At the heart of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 is how to achieve universal health coverage by ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. This mini-review seeks to highlight the need for the inclusion of these sub-populations in the discussion of malaria and perhaps, other diseases that have been earmarked for elimination. Where street kids and the homeless constitute a social concern, they are worthy of investigation.

Conclusion: Malaria does not discriminate, and is said to rebound with a vengeance. It is time to think outside the box. It is time for Africa to own her diseases, identify her research gaps and address them. This mini-review article discusses a malaria control gap with the accompanying multi-dimensional challenges, proffering pathways to overcome the challenges.