Current and future impacts of climate change on malaria in central and western Africa

Temperature and climate change influence the transmission and life cycle of malaria. The regions of central and western Africa are locations where malaria is a severe public health problem. Published work has reviewed components of malaria, but there remains an incomplete analysis of the severity of future climate change on malaria. This literature review examined key research questions analyzing effected geographical locations of malaria, factors contributing to climate change, current and future prevention methods and relevant research and gaps in research services and policy. Primary academic literature was reviewed and chosen based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results show an analysis of these research questions and indicate an emphasis on research. Important findings found that advanced technology needs to become a main factor in funding for prevention programs. Global education methods for health professionals and the community need to become a priority to decrease the impact of climate on disease. In addition, humans need to have a better understanding of how their actions impact the earth’s climate and individual health. The public health importance of this review is critical not only to African Regions, but for global health as a whole. It is a valuable educational tool that highlights the need for additional research in the areas of climate change and vector response, environmental influences, prevention, policy, and contributes to the public health issue of malaria in the fight for Central and Western African health