Endemic disease: Malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Cameroon

According to recent data, the malaria prevalence rate has shown a downward trend, from 30% in 2011 to 24% in 2018. But in 2022, Cameroon recorded 3,327,381 cases of malaria, with 2,481 deaths related to the disease. This underlines the scale of the epidemic and its impact on the population. Especially since the Cameroonian Ministry of Public Health estimates the prevalence rate of malaria at 26.1% in 2022, which indicates a net increase of 2.1% of the parasite in the population.

Indeed, the emergence of strains of parasites resistant to antimalarial treatments, particularly chloroquine, complicates the fight against the disease. According to the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in Cameroon, children under five years of age and pregnant women are more likely to develop severe forms of the disease. And many rural populations lack adequate access to health care, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Some efforts are underway to strengthen the fight against malaria, with a new commitment from health authorities and international organizations to improve the prevention and treatment of the disease. But although campaigns to distribute insecticide-treated nets have been put in place, their use remains insufficient in some communities.

The researchers stress the importance of an integrated approach to malaria control. This includes strengthening health systems through improved health infrastructure to ensure timely access to care; an improved approach to populations on prevention methods and the importance of early treatment and why not, invest in research to develop new treatments and vaccines.

Drug resistance is a growing problem in the fight against malaria, especially with the emergence of strains of parasites such as those naturally resistant to chloroquine, the antimalarial drug mainly used for curative treatment and prevention. Thus, setting up an effective monitoring and evaluation system would be an asset to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies accordingly and increasing funding for malaria control programs, especially in the most affected areas, could be an approach to better protect the most vulnerable populations.

The increase in malaria cases is having a significant impact on the health system, with health facilities facing major challenges in managing these cases, including delayed access to care.

Carole AMBASSA