Home Health Resilient ‘Steve’ Mosquito Sparks Malaria Crisis in Africa
HealthNews

Resilient ‘Steve’ Mosquito Sparks Malaria Crisis in Africa

477

The recently identified mosquito species, colloquially named “Steve” (scientifically Anopheles stephensi), is causing a surge in malaria infections across Africa, raising significant public health concerns, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Originating in South Asia, the “Steve” mosquito was first detected in Djibouti in 2012.

Since its discovery, Djibouti has witnessed a dramatic increase in malaria rates, and the mosquito has since spread to seven African countries, including Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. Unlike other mosquitoes that typically breed in rivers and swamps, the “Steve” mosquito thrives as an urban breeder in dry environments, making it challenging to control due to its ability to survive with minimal moisture in containers, tyres, and gutters.

Compounding the issue is that this new species exhibits distinctive behaviours, such as biting outdoors during daylight hours and showing immunity to commonly used pesticides. Dr Dorothy Achu, WHO’s lead for tropical diseases in Africa, highlights the threat ” Steve ” poses in urban settings, challenging current strategies primarily focused on indoor interventions. Detecting and eliminating this resilient mosquito from harsh climates proves difficult, complicating efforts to mitigate its impact on public health.

As the “Steve” mosquito continues to spread, health officials grapple with the urgent need for innovative strategies to address this emerging threat to malaria control in Africa. According to a WHO report, the African region carries a disproportionately large share of the global malaria burden, accounting for 94% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths in 2022. Children under the age of 5 represent 80% of these deaths.

Malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by certain mosquito species, remains a significant concern in Africa. Despite ongoing comprehensive malaria control programs in several African nations, efforts face challenges due to the unique characteristics of the “Steve” mosquito. Some progress has been made in the fight against malaria in the African Region, with three countries receiving the malaria vaccine and Cape Verde recently declared malaria-free.

Read more: Skepta Releases ‘Jangrova’ ft. Odumodublvck & Idris Elba

About The Author

Written by
Ikenna Churchill

Culture storyteller

Related Articles

News

The Creation of a Republican Monster by France-Afrique and the Lack of Patriotism in Benin

For the informed observer, it is clear that France did not want...

EducationNews

Namibia’s New President to Offer Free University Education from 2026

Namibia will scrap tuition and registration fees at public universities and technical...

NewsSecurity

Gunmen Abduct 35 Passengers in Separate Attacks Along Akwa Ibom-Cross River Waterways and in Benue

At least 15 passengers were abducted by gunmen on Thursday along the...

FinanceNews

Stephen Akintayo Advertises $18,000 Mentorship Programme Amid Multiple Fraud Allegations

Nigerian entrepreneur Dr. Stephen Akintayo has been criticised after launching a high-priced...