Why China’s Role in Malaria Control in Africa Demands Answers

China’s increased involvement in Africa’s health sector has been a matter of high interest in recent years. With billions of dollars of investments in infrastructure and health systems, China has become a significant player in the African healthcare landscape. However, its role in malaria control has been a matter of concern for many. Malaria is one of the highest causes of mortality in Africa, and its control has been of utmost importance for the United Nations and other international agencies. This article seeks to explore China’s role in Malaria control in Africa and demands answers for some crucial questions.

Malaria in Africa: A Brief Overview

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by a parasite. It leads to severe fever, chills, headache, and flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can even lead to death. Africa is the most affected continent by malaria. About 90% of malaria deaths worldwide occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 229 million people in Africa were infected with malaria in 2019, with a death toll of 409,000.

China’s Involvement in Malaria Control in Africa

China’s involvement in malaria control in Africa is multifaceted. It includes areas such as diagnosis, treatment, research, and technology transfer. China has provided malaria control support to over 40 African countries to date, including the distribution of mosquito nets, artemisinin-based combination therapy, and training of medical personnel.

However, some experts raise concerns over China’s role in malaria control. One issue is the quality of anti-malarial drugs exported by China to Africa. Malaria parasites have developed resistance to some of the commonly used drugs, and the use of substandard drugs can lead to prolonged illness and even death. There have been reports of substandard drugs being supplied by Chinese manufacturers to several African countries.

The Importance of Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are crucial for international health projects. There have been concerns raised about the lack of transparency and accountability in China’s involvement in malaria control in Africa. A study published in the BMJ Global Health on artemisinin resistance in Africa found that many Chinese firms exporting anti-malarial products to Africa lacked regulatory approval and did not comply with internationally recognized good practices.

China has been criticized for having a lack of transparency in its overseas development projects and for limiting the flow of information on the exact nature of its investments. Therefore, there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in China’s involvement in malaria control in Africa.

The Role of Western Institutions in China-Africa Health Cooperation

The role of Western institutions in China-Africa health cooperation is of utmost importance. Western institutions, such as the World Health Organization and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, must work closely with China to ensure that its investments in Africa’s health sector are transparent and accountable. These institutions must also work to ensure that the quality of the anti-malarial drugs provided by China is high.

Conclusion: Demanding Answers to China’s Role in Malaria Control in Africa

Malaria control is crucial for Africa’s health sector, and China’s involvement in this area is highly significant. However, there remain multiple questions about the quality of anti-malarial drugs provided by China and the transparency of its overseas development projects. Therefore, it is essential to demand answers to China’s role in malaria control in Africa. Ensuring transparency and accountability is the key to success in international health projects.

FAQs

Q1. Why is malaria control essential?

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by a parasite. It has severe symptoms and can even lead to death. It is prevalent in Africa, and its control is essential for the health of people in the region.

Q2. What is China’s role in malaria control in Africa?

China’s role in malaria control in Africa includes areas such as diagnosis, treatment, research, and technology transfer. China has provided malaria control support to over 40 African countries to date.

Q3. What are the concerns raised about China’s role in malaria control in Africa?

Some experts raise concerns over the quality of anti-malarial drugs exported by China to Africa and the lack of transparency and accountability in China’s involvement in malaria control in Africa.

Q4. What is the role of Western institutions in China-Africa health cooperation?

The role of Western institutions in China-Africa health cooperation is to work closely with China to ensure that investments in Africa’s health sector are transparent and accountable. They must also ensure that the quality of anti-malarial drugs provided by China is high.

Q5. What is the key to success in international health projects?

Transparency and accountability are the key to success in international health projects.[2] #HEALTH