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

5 March 2026, 3:48 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Malaria during pregnancy remains a leading contributor to maternal anaemia and its associated complications across much of sub-Saharan Africa.

A new study highlights that malaria continues to be one of the primary causes of anaemia among pregnant women in Africa, despite decades of efforts to combat the disease.

The research, led by Patrick Walker and colleagues and published in Nature Health, analysed data from over 12,000 pregnancies across seven African countries to assess the risks posed by malaria during pregnancy.

According to the study, in 2023, approximately 13.1 million pregnant women in malaria-affected regions of Africa were exposed to the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Without protective interventions, this exposure could have resulted in 2.4 million cases of moderate-to-severe anaemia, including 600,000 severe cases that pose serious risks to 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 notes.

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

Even women with multiple previous pregnancies remain at risk if malaria control efforts are interrupted, the study warns.

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

The protective effect of IPTp-SP is particularly pronounced in countries with a high malaria burden. “The greater-than-average reduction in malaria-attributable anaemia burden reflects higher IPTp-SP uptake,” the researchers note, emphasising its critical role in saving lives.

Despite these achievements, progress in combating 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 minor interruptions in treatment programmes could lead to rapid increases in malaria-related anaemia, putting pregnant women and newborns at risk.

The study also highlights the importance of early antenatal care. Current guidelines, however, do not permit the use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during the first trimester due to safety concerns, leaving women exposed during a crucial period. Researchers recommend systematic malaria screening and early treatment at antenatal visits, particularly for first-time mothers.

The authors stress that these findings underscore the urgent need for governments and health organisations to sustain malaria prevention programmes and ensure that pregnant women continue to receive life-saving treatment.