Understanding Climate Variability and Malaria Transmission in West Africa: Case Studies, Regional Insights, and Future Directions
Mukamana Sandra Gisele
School of Applied Health Sciences Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
Climate variability plays a crucial role in malaria transmission in West Africa. Variable temperature, rainfall, and humidity patterns in diverse climatic zones, such as tropical rainforests and semi-arid regions, significantly influence mosquito breeding sites and transmission rates. Tropical rainforests experience high transmission rates due to consistent rainfall and humidity, while savanna regions experience seasonal peaks. Semi-arid regions with limited rainfall and extreme temperatures show lower but variable transmission rates. Temperature fluctuations affect the development and survival of Anopheles mosquitoes and malaria parasites. Rising temperatures can extend transmission seasons and spread the disease to unaffected areas. Rainfall patterns affect breeding site availability, with heavy rains increasing breeding sites and droughts reducing mosquito populations. Humidity influences mosquito survival and parasite development. Extreme weather events, such as cyclones and floods, exacerbate malaria transmission by increasing breeding sites and damaging infrastructure. Socioeconomic factors, including urbanization, land use changes, and economic instability, also interact with climate variability to impact malaria dynamics. The review highlights the need for integrated malaria control strategies that incorporate climate considerations, including enhanced surveillance, climate-resilient infrastructure, and community engagement. Future research should address knowledge gaps regarding the interaction between climate variables and malaria transmission, and the socioeconomic impacts of climate change on malaria dynamics. By tailoring control strategies to specific climatic and socio-economic contexts, stakeholders can better manage malaria risks and improve health outcomes across West Africa.
Keywords: Climate, Variability, Malaria, Transmission, West Africa, Case Studies.
CITE AS: Mukamana Sandra Gisele. (2024). Understanding Climate Variability and Malaria Transmission in West Africa: Case Studies, Regional Insights, and Future Directions. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 4(1):38-44. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2024/413844