Malaria in Tanzania

Theme: "Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite." 

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Tanzania, despite notable progress over the past two decades. As the country joins the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme "Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite," it is vital to reflect on the current status,a chievements, challenges, and the way forward in the fight against this preventable disease.

Current Status of Malaria in Tanzania

According to the Tanzania Malaria Indicator Survey (TMIS) 2022, malaria prevalence among children aged 6-59 months is 8.1% nationally, down from 9.3% in 2017 and 18.1% in 2008. However, malaria remains unevenly distributed across regions. The highest prevalence is recorded in regions such as Kigoma (26.4%), Kagera (22.5%), and Mtwara (21.8%), while some regions like Arusha and Kilimanjaro report prevalence rates below 1%. Tanzania is among the 11 high-burden-to-high-impact (HBHI) countries identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), contributing a significant share to global malaria cases. In 2023, WHO estimated that Tanzania recorded approximately 6.5 million malaria cases and over 10,000 malaria-related deaths, placing it among the top 15 countries globally for malaria burden.

Mortality and Vulnerable Populations

Malaria mortality has significantly declined in the past decade due to improved diagnosis and treatment, particularly the use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). However, children under five and pregnant women remain the most vulnerable. In 2023, about 65% of all malaria-related deaths in Tanzania occurred in children under five, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

Achievements in Malaria Control

Tanzania has made commendable progress through the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), which focuses on preventive measures such as:

-Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs): Over 30 million ITNs were distributed between 2020 and 2023.

-Indoor residual spraying (IRS): Targeted campaigns in high-burden districts.

-Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp): Coverage has increased to over 60% of pregnant women receiving at least two doses.

-Community case management and education: Health workers are being trained to provide malaria services at the community level, especially in remote areas.

Challenges to Elimination

Despite these gains, Tanzania faces persistent challenges:

-Insecticide resistance in malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

-Climate change, which has altered mosquito breeding patterns.

-Health system gaps, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

-Disruptions caused by economic stress and humanitarian crises like floods and displacement.

-Funding constraints that threaten the sustainability of key malaria programs.

Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite: The Way Forward The 2025 theme calls on Tanzania and its partners to:

-Reinvest in malaria elimination by increasing domestic and international funding for malaria interventions.

-Reimagine innovative solutions, including digital tracking tools, next-generation mosquito nets, and community-based surveillance systems.

-Reignite public awareness and political commitment to keep malaria high on the national health agenda.

Conclusion

Tanzania stands at a critical juncture in its malaria fight. While substantial progress has been made, the journey to elimination requires renewed energy, innovation, and investment. By embracing the 2025 theme,Tanzania can lead by example in transforming malaria from a deadly threat into a disease of the

past-ensuring healthier communities and a stronger future for all.

Prepared by:

AfyaBora Nutrition Organization