Malaria Transmission Dynamics in East Africa

Abstract

Malaria remains one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases in the world and indeed in sub-Saharan Africa and the sub-region of East Africa. The sub-region ranges from the coastal landscapes of Kenya and mainland Tanzania to the east borders of the congolian tropical rain forest and river basin on west Uganda boundary. The many water bodies in the region provide breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes which transmit malaria affecting large populations of humans. Domestic animals and wildlife also play a pivotal role in malaria transmission by providing micro-breeding and resting sites via their footprints and sheds. The dynamics of transmission of malaria therefore include the presence and behaviors of the Anopheles vectors, the prevalence of the Plasmodium parasites, seasonality, climate change and related environmental factors favoring transmission in East Africa, and affected human hosts. Rainfall patterns and temperature stand out in affecting both the vector and malaria parasite life cycle. Inadequate use of preventive measures and treatment regimens has increased the risk of transmission of the parasites. This chapter explores the dynamics and trends of malaria transmission in this part of Sub-Saharan Africa.