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The department of health is on track to eliminate malaria by 2028 as outlined in the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan.
This comes amid challenges posed by intensified heatwaves due to the climate crisis, which directly impacts disease transmission and burden, it said on Thursday.
In a statement, the department acknowledged the strides made in reducing the burden of malaria, especially in provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal where the disease was endemic.
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However, the department stressed, there was a need for continued efforts to curb local transmission effectively. It emphasised that eliminating malaria not only promised health benefits but also aligned with the economic goals outlined in the 2030 National Development Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
It added:
The department called upon all stakeholders, including communities, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and international partners to intensify collaborative efforts in the fight against malaria for a healthier and more equitable world.
However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted concerns about the stagnated progress in reducing malaria cases globally in recent years. Africa remained the most affected region, with 94% of malaria cases and 95% of deaths reported in 2022, the WHO said.
According to the WHO, vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, infants, children aged under five, refugees, migrants, internally displaced people and indigenous communities, continued to bear the brunt of malaria's impact.
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The health department said South Africa reported 9 795 malaria cases and 106 deaths last year, "showcasing progress, including the subnational elimination of malaria in the King Cetshwayo District of KwaZulu-Natal".
However, that number represented an increase in cases. Professor Rajendra Maharaj, from the Malaria Research Unit at the SA Medical Research Council, put the number of cases in 2022 at 7 000.
Said the WHO: "Climate change and humanitarian emergencies, including natural disasters and conflicts in malaria-endemic countries, are displacing populations making them vulnerable to the disease."
The organisation added:
Government reiterated its commitment to providing equal access to malaria prevention and treatment services for all, aligning with the National Health Insurance's objectives of achieving universal health coverage.
"Collaboration with neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, evidence-based policies, strong partnerships and a dedicated workforce are key strategies in South Africa's malaria elimination efforts. The country aims to leverage domestic expertise while collaborating globally to achieve this ambitious goal," the department said.
