Globe and Mail examines resurgence of malaria in Congo

May 22 2012

The Globe and Mail reports on "a massive resurgence of malaria [in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] that has baffled scientists and raised doubts about the global fight against the deadly scourge." "Malaria is already the single biggest killer in Congo, with nearly 200,000 people dying annually, and now the trend is worsening," the newspaper writes, noting that "the number of malaria patients has soared by a stunning 250 percent ... since 2009," according to data from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

The causes of the increasing malaria incidence are unknown, although the displacement of refugees and drug resistance could be factors, and "MSF is planning several studies to investigate," the newspaper notes. The Globe and Mail mentions several challenges to malaria prevention and treatment in the Congo, including distributing bednets and educating the public on their proper use (York, 5/18). The Globe and Mail also published a slideshow of photos with the story (Lehmann, 5/18).