Malaria still a major threat to pregnant women in Africa- Study

5 March 2026, 3:48 pm

Byamukama Alozious

Malaria in pregnancy remains a leading contributor to a woman’s risk of maternal anaemia and its consequences in much of sub-Saharan Africa.

A new study shows that malaria remains one of the leading causes of anaemia among pregnant women in Africa, despite decades of efforts to fight the disease. 

The research, led by Patrick Walker and colleagues and published in Nature Health, combined data from over 12,000 pregnancies across seven African countries to understand just how dangerous malaria in pregnancy can be.

According to the study, in 2023, around 13.1 million pregnant women in malaria-affected regions of Africa were exposed to the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Without protective measures, this exposure could have caused 2.4 million cases of moderate-to-severe anaemia, including 600,000 severe cases that threaten both mother and baby.

“Malaria in pregnancy remains a leading contributor to a woman’s risk of maternal anaemia and its consequences in much of sub-Saharan Africa,” the study says.

The researchers looked at how anaemia risk changes depending on whether a woman is pregnant for the first time or has had previous pregnancies. First-time mothers are most vulnerable, as they haven’t yet developed the specific immunity that helps protect against malaria in pregnancy.

Even women who have had several pregnancies face risks if malaria control efforts are interrupted, the study warns.

One of the most important tools to protect pregnant women is Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). This treatment involves giving women doses of anti-malarial medicine at scheduled antenatal visits. The study estimates that in 2023, IPTp-SP prevented about 1.1 million cases of moderate or severe anaemia, including 330,000 severe cases, across sub-Saharan Africa.

The protective effects of IPTp-SP are particularly strong in countries with high malaria burden. “The greater-than-average reduction in malaria-attributable anaemia burden reflects higher IPTp-SP uptake,” the researchers write, highlighting its vital role in saving lives.

Despite these successes, progress in fighting malaria has stalled in recent years. Global funding for malaria control has declined, and the threat of drug resistance could undermine preventive measures. Experts warn that even small interruptions in treatment programs could lead to rapid increases in malaria-related anaemia, putting pregnant women and newborns at risk.

The study says that early antenatal care is critical. However, current guidelines do not allow the use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during the first trimester due to safety concerns, leaving women exposed during a crucial period. Researchers suggest systematic malaria screening and early treatment at antenatal visits, especially for first-time mothers.

Authors say the findings underscore the urgent need for governments and health organisations to maintain malaria prevention programs and ensure that pregnant women continue to receive life-saving treatment. Byamukama Alozious