Climate change impacts on malaria: a call to action

Malaria, a global health challenge that affects 84 countries, continues to claim lives at an alarming rate. The World Health Organization 2021 report highlighted 247 million cases and 11.7 million deaths attributed to malaria1. This article explores the nexus of climate change and malaria, emphasizing the pivotal role of predictive statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, and urgency for health system preparedness. Despite concerted efforts and significant progress in combating malaria, with 2 billion cases and 11.7 million deaths averted between 2000 and 2021, the fight against the disease persists2. Mosquito-borne malaria remains a formidable foe, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as under-5s and pregnant women3. This study sheds light on the potential synergies between climate change and malaria. Variations in temperature, rainfall, and humidity significantly affected mosquito longevity and malaria transmission4. Over the last century, unprecedented climate change has set the stage for an expanded global distribution of mosquito species, raising concerns about the readiness of health systems to face this evolving threat5. To address the looming challenges posed by climate change on malaria pathogenesis, this article proposes a solution: predictive modeling and application of artificial intelligence. While these tools gain traction in high-income countries, their adoption in low- and middle-income countries lags behind6. The need to bridge this gap emphasizes the need to explore and apply these technologies to address local challenges. Amidst the progress in malaria control programs, a critical question arises: are our achievements jeopardized by climate change? This article probes the preparedness of health systems, urging a shift from a myopic focus on the present to a forward-thinking approach. It advocates for innovations in weather forecasting, artificial intelligence, and GIS (geographic information system) mapping to anticipate and tailor solutions to the impending malaria challenges exacerbated by climate change. Climate change effects are cumulative and extend over time. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and loss of biodiversity have contributed to climate change, necessitating timely preventive strategies7. This study underscores the importance of acting to prevent irreversible consequences in the future. Examining historical data, this article raises the possibility of malaria resurgence in regions such as Europe, where it was eradicated in the past. The impact of climate change on global temperatures might create favorable conditions for malaria vectors, necessitating proactive measure8. Climate change, with its discriminatory impact on the most impoverished, accentuates the existing inequalities. This article calls for collective responsibility to protect the planet and its inhabitants. This highlights the need for proactive measures, including predictive modeling, artificial intelligence, and GIS mapping, to prepare for the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change9. 'Climate change impacts on malaria: a call to action' emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate-induced challenges in malaria pathogenesis. This article advocates the widespread adoption of predictive modeling, artificial intelligence, and GIS mapping to safeguard vulnerable communities. By embracing science and technology, we can fortify our defenses, bridge global disparities, and protect the future against the interplay between climate change and malaria. Ethical approval Not applicable. Consent Not applicable. Sources of funding Not applicable. Author contribution W.N.: conceptualization and writing. Conflicts of interest disclosure There are no conflicts of interest. Research registration unique identifying number (UIN) Not applicable. Guarantor William Nkenguye. Provenance and peer review Yes. Data availability statement Not applicable.