Dr Chris van Straten, Spokesperson, Global Health Advisor for Clinical Governance at International SOS Capital Health Q&A: Dr Chris van Straten on why malaria remains Africa’s biggest health and economic threat By EDITORIAL DESK Published 5 hours ago Share Tweet Dr Chris van Straten, Spokesman, Global Health Advisor for Clinical Governance at International SOS Q: Africa accounts for over 90% of global malaria cases and deaths. Why does this burden remain so high despite years of intervention? Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp A: Indeed, Africa accounted for roughly 94% of malaria cases and deaths according to recent data. Much of Africa’s climate creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, which makes transmission harder to control. At the same time, access to healthcare is not always consistent, especially in remote communities. While there have been significant efforts around prevention, these are not always implemented evenly or sustained over time. Add to that the realities of under-resourced health systems and fluctuating funding, and it becomes clear why progress is, and may remain, uneven. Q: From your perspective, is the fight against malaria stagnating, or are current strategies simply not keeping pace with emerging challenges? A: It’s not so much that progress is stagnant – it’s that the challenge is evolving. We are seeing trends like resistance to certain treatments and insecticides, as well as shifts in where and how malaria spreads due to urbanisation and climate change. The strategies that worked before still matter, but they need to evolve to keep up with the current impact of the burden. There is a growing need for approaches that are more localised and responsive to what’s happening on the ground. Q: You’ve framed malaria as an economic threat. How exactly does malaria impact productivity and business performance across Africa? A: Malaria has a significant impact on businesses. When employees are unwell, it affects productivity; whether that’s through time off work or people trying to work while they’re sick and not performing at their best. In more severe cases malaria can permanently damage several organs including brain, and kidneys which can result in permanent disability. Companies face increased healthcare costs and operational challenges, particularly in high-risk areas. Over time, this can affect everything from project timelines to overall business performance. Q: With malaria estimated to reduce GDP by up to 1.3% annually, what does this translate to at a company or industry level? A: At a company level, this translates to measurable operational losses driven by reduced output, increased sick leave, higher insurance and medical costs as well as potential project delays. For industries that rely on intense physical labour, even a small rise in absenteeism can have a noticeable effect on output and efficiency. It’s not always immediately visible, but over time, the impact will be felt. Q: Which sectors are most vulnerable to malaria-related disruptions, and why? A: Sectors in endemic areas with outdoor or remote operations are particularly exposed, such as mining, energy, agriculture, construction and logistics. These industries often operate in remote or high-risk areas where malaria is more prevalent and access to healthcare may be limited. This combination increases both the likelihood of exposure and the potential severity of outbreaks within the workforce. Q: Beyond funding, what are the key structural or behavioural challenges slowing progress in malaria control? A: Funding is important, but it’s not the only factor. Consistency is one of the biggest challenges; prevention measures need to be applied regularly to be effective. There is also the human side: awareness levels, risk perception, and sometimes misinformation can influence how people respond. On a structural level, factors such as supply chain issues, workforce mobility, and limited coordination among stakeholders can make