Climate change and malaria control in Africa: country experiences and strategic responses

Abstract

Climate change is recognized as a critical determinant of malaria transmission in the coming decades. This manuscript synthesizes testimonies from six African countries (Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Rwanda, and Senegal) highlighting how climate variability has recently influenced malaria epidemiology and how national malaria control programmes (NMCPs) are adapting. The correlation between changing patterns of rainfalls, floodings, and how they affect the expansion of mosquito vector habitats with malaria transmission has been reported. Adaptive strategies adopted by the NMCPs include integrating climate and health data, strengthening surveillance and establishing early warning systems, engaging and educating communities, promoting multisectoral collaboration, and leveraging technology and innovation. However, systemic barriers, such as limited data integration capacity, infrastructural deficits, behavioural factors, and financial constraints, continue to impede effective implementation of adaptive strategies. Addressing these barriers requires sustained political commitment, enhanced technical capacity, operational and implementation research, and long-term investment in climate-resilient health systems. The findings offer valuable insights for broader regional efforts to align malaria control strategies with climate change.