KILIFI, Kenya, Oct 3 — The number of children infected with malaria in Kilifi has fallen sharply over the past 35 years, with the proportion carrying malaria parasites dropping from about one in three in the 1990s to one in 50 today.
A study by researchers from the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) also found a major decline in malaria-related hospital admissions among children during the period.
The study analysed paediatric admissions at Kilifi County Teaching and Referral Hospital between 1990 and 2024 involving children aged one month to 14 years living in the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System area.
Malaria admissions peaked in 1999 at about 26 cases per 1,000 children annually. Between 2020 and 2024, the rate had fallen to less than one admission per 1,000 children.
Researchers attributed the decline to increased use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, better access to effective malaria medicines and improvements in healthcare services.
“These findings show what can be achieved when malaria control efforts are maintained over many years. Malaria was once one of the leading reasons children were admitted to hospital in Kilifi. Today, severe malaria has become much less common,” said Dr Alice Kamau, the study’s lead author.
The study also found that children who develop severe malaria are now generally older than those affected three decades ago, suggesting that younger children are being exposed to the disease less often.
KWTRP Executive Director Edwine Barasa said the findings showed the value of sustained investment in research and monitoring of severe malaria.
KEMRI Director General Prof Elijah Songok said the institution would continue supporting malaria prevention, effective treatment and stronger health systems.
“These findings not only highlight KEMRI’s commitment to generating high-quality research that informs policy and practice but also provide valuable lessons for Kenya and other malaria-endemic countries as we continue working towards malaria elimination,” Songok said.
