Tackling Africa’s health burden in wake of climate change threat

Innovation around infectious diseases is expected to accelerate the global commitments towards reducing Africa's health burden. The progress made in reducing the burden of malaria in Africa has been commendable with a significant decrease in the number of patients getting infected over the last two decades. Countries in northern Africa have even been certified by the World Health Organization as malaria-free, showcasing substantial advancements in the fight against this deadly disease. Despite these achievements, recent years have seen a plateauing of progress due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to regain momentum in reducing the disease burden of malaria. Effective therapeutics, particularly for children who carry a high disease burden, remain critical. Novartis, a global healthcare company, has been at the forefront of innovation in this field for the past 25 years, constantly striving to develop more effective and user-friendly medicines to combat malaria. Their efforts highlight the importance of continued innovation in global healthcare. Rwanda, by hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) recently, made significant commitments towards increasing funding for the healthcare sector. Novartis pledged $250 million to research new medicines for malaria and neglected tropical diseases, emphasizing the need for ongoing investment in innovative solutions to combat infectious diseases. The company has already spent over 50% of this commitment, focusing on developing new drug candidates to address resistance and improve malaria treatment. As the global malaria report indicates a decline in cases but also raises concerns about increasing resistance and the impact of climate change, the fight against malaria faces new challenges. The emergence of resistance poses a threat to current anti-malarial treatments, underscoring the urgency for the development of next-generation medicines. While resistance levels remain low for artemisinin combination therapy, early signs of resistance in laboratory settings indicate the need for new anti-malarials to be introduced in the market in the coming years. Climate change further complicates the battle against infectious diseases, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes. The rise in global temperatures and humidity creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to an anticipated increase in malaria, dengue fever, and other diseases. Regions experiencing flooding and high humidity levels are likely to see a surge in infectious diseases, necessitating ongoing innovation in healthcare to combat these challenges effectively. The projections by the World Health Organization suggest a rise in the burden of infectious diseases, emphasizing the critical need for advanced tools and strategies to control these illnesses.