As the world marks World Malaria Day 2025, the persistent challenge of malaria remains, claiming nearly 600,000 lives in 2023 alone. Despite being both preventable and treatable, malaria continues to thrive, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it poses not only a significant health threat but also disrupts economies and businesses. The disease’s impact extends beyond humanitarian concerns, affecting employees and productivity. It leads to absenteeism, rising medical costs, and in the most tragic cases, loss of life, thereby destabilising entire regions.
A shifting malaria risk map has emerged, driven by natural hazards, rapid urbanisation, and changes in mobility patterns. Experts highlight the crucial need for businesses operating in high-risk areas to adopt a proactive role in safeguarding their workforce and surrounding communities. In endemic areas, malaria thrives in communities where asymptomatic individuals often serve as breeding grounds for the disease, making awareness and education key to reducing its spread. Corporate action, such as awareness programmes that promote prevention strategies and early treatment, is essential.
The spread of malaria is not confined to traditionally high-risk regions. In non-endemic areas, the impact of natural hazards, including extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns, is causing malaria to spread into previously unaffected zones. A case in point is northeastern Tanzania, where malaria prevalence saw a decline between 2003 and 2014 due to increased use of bed nets. However, by 2018, a resurgence occurred, particularly in highland regions, likely driven by warmer temperatures and higher humidity. This resurgence is compounded by human migration, which can introduce malaria into new areas, further complicating efforts to control the disease.
The role of surveillance systems and advanced technologies in combating malaria is becoming increasingly vital. Non-endemic regions are now integrating more sophisticated diagnostic tools and data collection methods to track and manage the disease. In areas such as Maputo, Mozambique, enhanced case notification systems and the geolocation of malaria cases help map the spread of the disease and tailor interventions more effectively. These innovations allow for more accurate identification and management of imported cases, a critical strategy for mitigating the risk in regions not typically associated with malaria.
Moreover, climate models are being incorporated into public health planning to better anticipate and respond to malaria transmission shifts. By incorporating environmental variables, these models help develop early warning systems that inform targeted interventions before the disease spreads. Digital health tools and artificial intelligence (AI) are also playing a pivotal role in early detection, helping to predict outbreaks and enabling quicker responses.
For businesses, particularly those operating in remote or rural areas, a comprehensive approach to malaria prevention is crucial. Beyond adopting preventative measures such as insecticide-treated nets and access to anti-malarial medications, companies can take on a leadership role in community health by promoting sustainable practices. Managing mosquito breeding grounds through effective waste and water management can significantly reduce the likelihood of malaria outbreaks.
Collaborating with local healthcare initiatives and integrating emergency response plans into corporate operations can further bolster preparedness, especially following severe weather events. By embracing these strategies, companies not only meet their corporate social responsibility goals but also contribute to the broader effort to eradicate malaria. In doing so, they foster healthier, more resilient communities and protect their own workforce, creating a long-term sustainable impact that aligns with both public health and business objectives.
Ultimately, through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices, both the private sector and public health bodies can address the growing threat of malaria in a rapidly changing world.
