INTRODUCTION
Malaria is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. It is considered a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality [1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report of 2022, there are over 240 million annual cases of malaria with over 500,000 deaths. Children under 5 years of age are most at risk for severe disease and death. Malaria is endemic in 85 countries. However, 95% of the malaria cases
occur in the WHO African Region [2].
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023, Rwanda saw progress in malaria control. Malaria incidence dropped by 38%, from 76 to 47 per 1,000 people. The Slide Positivity Rate decreased from 22% in FY 2021-2022 to 14% in FY 2022-2023. Uncomplicated malaria cases declined by 38%, with 58% managed at the community level. Severe cases fell by 28%, from 1,831 to 1,316. Malaria-related deaths also dropped by 28%, from 71 to 51 [3]. These reductions reflect the country’s strengthened efforts in malaria prevention and management. Rwanda has made significant strides in controlling the disease through implementation of various control interventions including: mass and routine distribution of long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS) in high endemic districts, adoption of mandatory laboratory confirmation prior to the treatment, use of Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria cases, national scale up of community based management and improvement in routine surveillance, and monitoring and evaluation platforms [3], [4].
This report focuses on the most at-risk populations for malaria with a focus on children under 5, and the elderly in Rwanda. Rwanda currently has 1,708,460 children under 5 years old, all of which are considered at risk for malaria. The report aims to relay information on current trends and identify areas for intervention for malaria.
METHODS
A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted using routine malaria surveillance and mortality data from health facilities across Rwanda for the period 2018–2022. Data were analyzed to assess temporal trends, demographic distribution, and geographic patterns of malaria among special populations, including children under five years, pregnant women, and the elderly. Descriptive statistics were generated to calculate incidence and mortality rates by age, gender, and region. Trends were visualized through charts and maps to identify high-burden areas and population subgroups at elevated risk. All analyses, data aggregation, and visualizations were performed using Microsoft Excel.
