成人快手

The World Health Organization (WHO) says there was surge in malaria last year as the Covid pandemic disrupted health services. In its annual malaria report, the WHO said there were 14 million more cases in 2020, and that two-thirds of the 69,000 additional deaths were attributable to the disruption to treatment and prevention.

The WHO had feared the number of malaria deaths in Africa could double last year, but quick action by many countries prevented that. Overall, the programme to eradicate malaria has stalled since 2017, leading the WHO to urge greater efforts to eliminate the age-old scourge.

Dr Pedro Alonso is the Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. He says sub-Saharan countries, with vulnerable health systems, have taken the brunt of the surge.

Photo shows: Doctor Charles Eblin prepares to take care of a girl with malaria at his clinic Centre de Sante Sainte Marie de Marcory in Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 7, 2021. Credit: Reuters