Clinical Report: Assessing the Impact of Malaria on Children Aged 5–10 in the Sahel

Overview

This report evaluates the rising malaria burden among children aged 5 to 10 in the Sahel region, particularly in Niger, and discusses the implications for seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis (SMC) strategies. The findings suggest a need to reconsider current SMC eligibility criteria to include older children due to their significant malaria case load.

Background

Malaria remains a critical public health challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes high morbidity and mortality rates among vulnerable populations, including children. Recent data indicate a resurgence of malaria cases globally, with a notable increase in infections among school-aged children. This demographic shift necessitates a reevaluation of existing prevention strategies, particularly the exclusion of children over five from SMC.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the provided source material.

Key Findings

• Malaria cases increased by 11 million from 2022 to 2023, totaling 263 million cases globally.
• Niger is among the top ten African countries with high malaria incidence, despite its arid climate.
• Children aged 5 to 10 years are experiencing a significant burden of malaria, challenging the assumption of acquired immunity by age five.
• The current SMC strategy targets children under five, leaving older children unprotected despite their substantial case load.
• Environmental changes and global warming are contributing to increased malaria transmission in the Sahel region.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the rising malaria burden in children aged 5 to 10 when implementing prevention strategies. Modifying SMC eligibility to include this age group may enhance protection and reduce malaria incidence in high-burden areas.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the need for a reassessment of malaria prevention strategies in the Sahel, particularly regarding the inclusion of older children in SMC programs to address the growing malaria burden.

References

1. WHO guidelines for malaria, 13 August 2025 -- Current guidance and epidemiology
2. Status and prospects of seasonal malaria chemoprevention among children in Sahelian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis | PLOS Global Public Health
3. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Unidentified Illness “X” in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Investigating the Possible Influence of Malaria on the Outbreak
4. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Epidemiology and Outcomes of Pediatric Fever in a Rural District of Southern Mozambique: 17 Years of Morbidity Surveillance
5. The Journal of Infectious Diseases — High Incidence of False-Positive Results in Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests Among Ugandan Children Under Five
6. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Molecular Surveillance of Malaria in Nigeria Reveals a Low Frequency of Antimalarial Resistance Markers and Clonal Expansion of Chloroquine-Sensitive Infections
7. WHO guidelines for malaria, 13 August 2025
8. Status and prospects of seasonal malaria chemoprevention among children in Sahelian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis | PLOS Global Public Health
9. (updated: January 2025)