Study predicts spike in malaria cases in Africa due to large dams

An estimated one million people who live near large dams across Sub-Saharan Africa may contract malaria annually, revealed a study published in the September issue of Malaria Journal.

The ground breaking study revealed that construction of 78 new dams in Sub-Saharan Africa will lead to an additional 56,000 new malaria cases annually.

Researchers from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a global research orgnization, and the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research (CGIAR) program on water, land and ecosystems undertook the study to establish the link between large water reservoirs and a spike in malaria infection across Sub-Saharan Africa.

"Dams are at the centre of much development planning in Africa. While dams clearly bring many benefits-contributing to economic growth and food security-adverse malaria impacts need to be addressed, or they will undermine sustainable development in Africa," the study's lead author, Solomon Kibret said.

Researchers surveyed 1,268 dams in Sub-Saharan Africa and two thirds were discovered to be located in malaria hotspots. Likewise, an estimated 15 million people living within five kilometers of a reservoir were at risk of contracting the fatal tropical disease.

"Our study showed the population at risk of malaria around dams is at least four times greater than previously estimated," said Kibret.

Earlier, research published by acclaimed scientific journals has revealed a spike in malaria infections near Akosombo, Koka and Kamburu dams in Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya respectively.

Researchers noted that huge reservoirs provide an ideal breeding ground for the female anopheles mosquito that causes malaria.

Statistics from the world Health Organization (WHO) indicate there are an estimated 174 million cases of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa every year. African governments should evaluate ecological and health implications of developing big dams to address water, food and energy security.

Experts regretted that local communities have borne the brunt of negative impacts of constructing huge reservoirs.

"Dams are an important option for governments anxious to develop, but it is unethical that people living close to them pay the price of that development through contracting killer diseases," remarked Matthew Mc Cartney, a researcher at IWMI.

Redesigning of dams to reduce bleeding of mosquitoes, distribution of bed nets and introduction of fish that eat mosquito larva in large reservoirs will help reduce malaria infections.

The study also proposed revamping of policy and institutional frameworks to strengthen response to the malaria epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa.