A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) found that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is taking a toll on malaria prevention campaigns in Sub Saharan Africa. Nearly 800,000 individuals could die of malaria in the region because of interruptions to campaigns aimed to prevent the disease’s spread. According to the report, the main interventions that could experience disruptions are distributions of insecticide treated nets, and access to diagnosis and effective malaria treatment. Currently, 27 countries in the region plan to implement insecticide treated net campaigns by the end of 2020. These countries account for 85% of malaria deaths and cases in the region.
Shared by Dr. Kathy DeBarr, Associate Professor of Public Health.
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