New research shows association between malnutrition, malaria and season

A critical association between malnutrition, season and malaria in regions of Central African Republic affected by conflict has been highlighted in a new paper published today in the BMC Medicine Journal.

The MENTOR Initiative analysed data from community health workers, Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, and The World Bank Group meteorological data for eight subprefectures in the north-west between October 2015 and August 2021.

Results from consultations with children aged between 6-59 months for malnutrition aligned with rates of severe malaria and the rainy season, providing evidence of the clear associations between malnutrition, season and malaria. The analysis is unique because it includes almost half a million children, making it the largest study of its kind to date.

Ongoing conflict further increases the risks for people living in the region and creates difficulties reaching rural communities who are underserved by health services.

Lead researcher Nicola Stambach, said:

“This analysis provides invaluable insight into the need for nutritional support funding to be geographically targeted to meet varying levels of support required, particularly given the current decreased funding for Central African Republic.

Networks of trained community health workers suitably equipped and supported for emergency contexts, offer real potential to integrate targeted nutritional support, together with essential diagnostic and treatment services for malaria and other life-threatening diseases where it is most needed.

The nature of armed conflict has changed, creating long-term chronic humanitarian crises. The global humanitarian response must change too, with organisations working together to ensure a more coordinated response to reach and protect those they have committed to serve.”

This work was supported by UK aid and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.