WILL REDUCING PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM TRANSMISSION ALTER MALARIA MORTALITY AMONG AFRICAN CHILDREN

There have been few attempts to examine the relationship between the intensity of transmission and the ensuing burden of disease or mortality from Plasmodium falciparum in Africa. Bob Snow and Kevin Marsh here present the available data on malaria-specific mortality and severe morbidity among African children in relation to estimates of annual rates of falciparum inoculation These data suggest that cohort mortality from malaria may remain similar between areas experiencing over 100-fold differences in transmission pressure. The authors raise doubts about the possible long-term benefits to children living in areas of high transmission of control strategies aimed at sustained reduction in human-vector contact, for example insecticide-treated bednets.