Epidemics
Malaria epidemics kill more than 100,000 people of all ages every year. People at greatest risk are those who have been exposed to malaria infrequently and have developed little or no protective immunity. It is estimated that up to 124 million people in Africa live in areas at risk of seasonal epidemic malaria, and many more in areas outside Africa where transmission is less intense.
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Early detection mechanisms
To limit the impact of epidemics, African Heads of State decided at the Abuja Summit in 2000 that malaria epidemics should be detected and responded to within 2 weeks of onset. WHO assists countries to improve preparedness, early recognition, and effective and timely response to epidemics.
Malaria early warning systems using remote sensing of climatic conditions are increasingly being used. Early detection mechanisms through weekly disease surveillance in sentinel sites and as part of Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDSR) now exists in over 15 African countries.
Risk of epidemics is closely linked to climatic conditions; malaria early warning systems using remote sensing are increasingly being used. Early detection mechanisms through weekly disease surveillance in sentinel sites and as part of Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDSR) now exists in over 15 African countries. WHO has developed technical norms for the cost-effective and timely use of available prevention and control interventions. When major epidemics occur, WHO assists countries with implementing evidence-based emergency interventions.
