Malaria in Haiti: A descriptive study on spatial and temporal profile from 2009 to 2018

Abstract

Background: Haiti is one of the Caribbean countries where malaria persists. More than 99% of malaria cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the main vector being the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. In this paper, we describe the epidemiological profile of malaria in Haiti between 2009 and 2018. Methods:We analyzed information on cases reported by the Ministry of Health of Haiti and the World Health Organization (WHO).Results: Between 2009 and 2018, 232,479 malaria cases were reported by the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP); an increase in the incidence of malaria in the country in 2010, followed by a decrease in 2011, was primarily observed. Due to recent efforts to reduce malaria by 2020, its incidence declined from 60,130 cases in 2010 to 8,978 cases in 2018. Controversially, in terms of the number of reported cases, the MSPP and WHO report conflicting data. However, the results from both datasets present the same trend in Haiti from 2009 to 2018. The results also illustrate the endemicity of the disease throughout Haiti, both in rural and urban areas, especially along the coast. Conclusions:This study emphasizes the need to promote official data collection and analyses, as well as the application of epidemiological surveillance of malaria at the municipal level, for a better understanding of the real impact of malaria on the Haitian population and to create more appropriate interventions.

Spatial, environmental, and individual associations with Anopheles albimanus salivary antigen IgG in Haitian children

“…Hispaniola, an island composed of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, is the only area in the Caribbean with endemic malaria, with Plasmodium falciparum as the primary species. Though recent malaria transmission in Haiti has been relatively low ( Lucchi et al., 2014 ; Jules et al., 2022 ), heterogeneity by spatial, individual, and environmental factors accentuates the need for enhanced surveillance methods to characterize higher-risk regions and population subgroups to further move towards malaria elimination ( Boncy et al., 2015 ; Cameron et al., 2021 ).…”

The Importance of Local Context in National Malaria Elimination Efforts

“…The reasons for this sudden urban malaria resurgence are enigmatic but may include increasing human density, rural-to-urban movement, inadequate surveillance, treatment and prevention, and suitable conditions for mosquito vectors. 5 Anopheles albimanus is probably the principle vector, 5 , 7 – 9 and it is well established in urban settings of DR and the region. 10 – 13 Although urbanization has been associated with decreased malaria in some contexts, 14 , 15 many diverse environmental conditions and social elements influence transmission risk in each specific urban setting.…”