The African continent is experiencing an increase in mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, which is putting significant strain on public health systems, scientists cautioned during a virtual forum held on Monday in anticipation of World Mosquito Day.
Michael Charles, the CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, noted that climate change is driving the proliferation of mosquitoes responsible for transmitting malaria and dengue fever across Africa, negatively affecting economic growth.
Health reports indicate that there are 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide, with 837 of them found in Africa.
Charles further mentioned that factors such as environmental pollution, inadequate surveillance systems, and a lack of awareness about the benefits of using insecticide-treated nets have exacerbated the spread of female mosquitoes.
Philip Chigiya, secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance Youth Advisory Council, emphasized that curbing the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes would require improved environmental hygiene, universal access to treated nets, and research into the mutation patterns of these insects.
