An ecosystem approach to malaria control in Mwea

Abstract

Malaria affects 300-500 million people each year, resulting in the deaths of at least 1 million over the same period. More than 90% of the morbidity and mortality due to malaria occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. Measw·ed in terms of disability-adjusted life-years, malaria is one o.f the major disease burdens worldwide. The financial implications of malaria costs Africa more than US$ 12 billion annually when the cost of diagnosis and treatment and investment in preventive measures are considered. Malaria has slowed economic growth in Africa leading to a reduction in gross domestic product (GOP) up to 32% lower had the disease been eradicated from the continent in the early 1960s.