Travel is an important risk factor for malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa

Objectives:
By sustaining transmission or causing malaria outbreaks, imported malaria undermines malaria elimination efforts. Few studies have examined the impact of travel on malaria epidemiology. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Is travel an important risk factor for malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa?

Study design:
This review article included 22 studies, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa.

There was substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude of association across the studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found travel significantly increased risk of malaria infection with 277% [OR = 3.77, 95% CI = 2.49 to 5.70].
Odds ratios were particularly high in urban locations when travel was to rural areas, to more endemic/high transmission areas and in young children.

The investigators concluded travel is an important risk factor for malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa.

Original title:
Travel Is a Key Risk Factor for Malaria Transmission in Pre-Elimination Settings in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis by Ahmed S, Reithinger R and Ngondi JM.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32815497/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on malaria and malnutrition right here.