Abstract
.Most countries around the world have responded promptly to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) challenge by adopting considered and scientifically guided strategies for its containment. However, the situation is more complex for nations where malaria is endemic, as they now have the additional burden of COVID-19. In such nations, the healthcare systems are either in the preparatory or containment phase of the current pandemic. This enforced, sudden, and sharp public health refocus is likely to result in the disruption of annual malaria control activities such as distribution of insecticide-impregnated bed nets, indoor residual spraying of insecticide, maintenance of malaria surveillance, and mass provision of antimalarial drugs. Nonetheless, we feel that the best facets of COVID-19 public health management can become new guiding principles in malaria-endemic countries to improve malaria control and hasten malaria elimination. Redirection against malaria of the best public health initiatives used in COVID-19 containment could fast-track the global goal of a malaria-free world. Such public health advancement could be one positive outcome from the scourge of COVID-19.
Highlights
The situation is more complex for nations where malaria is endemic, as they have the additional burden of COVID-19
The healthcare systems are either in the preparatory or containment phase of the current pandemic. This enforced, sudden, and sharp public health refocus is likely to result in the disruption of annual malaria control activities such as distribution of insecticide-impregnated bed nets, indoor residual spraying of insecticide, maintenance of malaria surveillance, and mass provision of antimalarial drugs
The emergence and rapid spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID19) across the world has created massive global disruptions, and its impacts are especially worrisome for healthcare systems, social services, and economic activities within malariaendemic countries.[1]
Summary
Ebola outbreaks in West Africa led to substantial increases in morbidity and mortality due to other diseases, including malaria.[1] This lesson must be borne in mind within malaria-afflicted countries; their redirection of attention to COVID-19 should not come at the expense of efforts to control malaria.[4] Sustained vector control and timely management of malaria cases are the backbone of malaria control and elimination strategies. Malaria (an old scourge) and COVID-19 (a newly emergent disease) may compete for public health attention, we feel that the best facets of current COVID-19 management provide lessons that may enable faster control and elimination of malaria.
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