Malaria in Sudan: past, present and the future

Abstract

Summary. Malaria is a major public health problem in Sudan and this is the
leading cause of death. A lot of efforts are done recently to decrease the
prevalence adopting the RBM initiative with its well known six elements.
There is a new protocol for treatment which would be launched in June
2004.
Malaria Burden. Malaria in Sudan is a major public Health Problem. It
leads to an estimated 7.5- 10 million cases and 35000 deaths every year. The
burden of the disease on the health system is a reality. Out of the total
outpatients’ attendance, admissions and deaths malaria represents 20- 40%, 30-50%
and 15-20% respectively. These figures bring Sudan on the top of WHO /
EMRO countries, as Sudan shouldered 50% of cases and 70% of deaths in the
region (WHO/EMRO). Malaria is endemic throughout the Sudan. The
endemicity level varies from hypo-endemic in the north - mesoendemic in
the central part and hyper-and holo-endemic in the south. (Map 1).
Considering other factors which serve as a background for malaria in Sudan;
metriological, human behavior and activities, status of the control
programme, country economic and social conditions, Sudan has been
stratified to 5 strata (Map2). It is worth to mention here that 80% of the
populations are living in epidemic-prone area-unstable malaria transmission.