A thesis on epidemiological surveillance in Madagascar reveals an alarming increase in malaria cases

Jean Marius Rakotondramanga, from Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis, has unlocked the scientific barrier on the dynamics of infectious diseases in Madagascar, revealing an increase in malaria cases from 211 to 234 million between 2015 and 2020. This research, supported in 2023, highlights the impact of COVID-19 on public health and proposes solutions to strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems.

In Madagascar, infectious diseases, such as malaria and COVID-19, pose major challenges for public health. The pandemic has exacerbated an already critical situation, with a significant rise in malaria cases and deaths. Between 2015 and 2020, malaria-related deaths increased from 542,000 to 593,000, putting pressure on epidemiological surveillance systems.

Jean Marius Rakotondramanga conducted an in-depth analysis using data from a randomized study on 6,293 children, identifying the most vulnerable groups to malaria. The results show that an additional 13.4 million cases of malaria were reported between 2020 and 2021, due to COVID-19-related interventions, highlighting the importance of enhanced surveillance.

The results of this research pave the way for strategic recommendations for decision-makers, including strengthening epidemiological surveillance systems. Investments in innovative technological solutions can improve data collection and analysis, thereby reducing costs related to epidemics and maximizing growth opportunities in the public health sector in Madagascar.

« « Between 2015 and 2020, we observed an alarming increase in malaria cases, reaching up to 234 million, which underscores the urgency of improving our epidemiological surveillance, » says Jean Marius Rakotondramanga. »

« « This research highlights the importance of accessing reliable data to inform political and strategic decisions in public health, » emphasizes the Lektaris team. »