Mapping Global Malaria Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Guerra Carlos A, Gikandi Priscilla W, Tatem Andrew J, Noor Abdisalan M, Smith Dave L, Hay Simon I, Snow Robert W
Primary Institution: Kenyan Medical Research Institute–University of Oxford–Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme
Hypothesis
The study aims to define the global geographic distribution of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and its transmission intensity.
Conclusion
The new map provides a contemporary summary of the population at risk of P. falciparum malaria and suggests that elimination is feasible for many areas.
Supporting Evidence
- 2.37 billion people lived in areas at any risk of P. falciparum transmission in 2007.
- Almost 1 billion people lived under unstable, or extremely low, malaria risk.
- Almost all P. falciparum parasite rates above 50% were reported in Africa.
- Conditions of low parasite prevalence were also common in Africa.
- Outside of Africa, P. falciparum malaria prevalence is largely hypoendemic.
Takeaway
The researchers made a map showing where malaria is a risk around the world, helping to focus efforts on controlling it.
Methodology
The study used nationally reported case-incidence data, medical intelligence, and biological rules of transmission exclusion to generate the global spatial distribution of P. falciparum malaria.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in the data due to incomplete health reporting systems.
Limitations
The accuracy of the map depends on the assumptions made and the quality of the data used.
Participant Demographics
The study estimates that 2.37 billion people live in areas at risk of P. falciparum transmission.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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