World Malaria Day: New Resources for Addressing Malaria in Pregnancy

By: Kayla McGowan, Project Coordinator, Women and Health Initiative, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

While the number of deaths from malaria has declined around the world, malaria in pregnancy (MiP) continues to pose substantial health risks to pregnant women and newborns. MiP is a large contributor of global maternal deaths, and in sub-Saharan Africa, malaria infection in pregnancy accounts for approximately one in five stillbirths and one in ten newborn deaths. MiP can lead to other complications including anemia, prematurity and low birthweight.

As the number of malaria cases decreases in a country, reduced exposure can lead to delayed immunity—which may leave pregnant women facing increased risks. Furthermore, resistance to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, the most commonly used intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) drug combination, as well as inadequate coverage of IPTp and insecticide-treated nets present key challenges to addressing MiP worldwide.

Sustained investment in MiP programs is crucial for ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths. New resources from the Maternal and Child Survival Program, the President’s Malaria Initiative and the Roll Back Malaria MiP Working Group provide guidance on preventing MiP in the context of the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on antenatal care (ANC) for a positive pregnancy experience.

Access these resources below:

• The 2016 WHO ANC Recommendations and Implications for Malaria in Pregnancy* | Webinar
• Implementing Malaria in Pregnancy Programs in the Context of World Health Organization Recommendations on Antenatal Care for a Positive Pregnancy Experience* | Brief
• 2016 WHO Antenatal Care Guidelines: Malaria in Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions* | Brief
• Investing in Malaria in Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Saving Women’s and Children’s Lives | Infographic
• Controlling maternal anemia and malaria: Ensuring pregnant women receive effective interventions to prevent malaria and anemia: what program managers and policymakers should know | Brief

*Implementing in the context of the Recommendations on Antenatal Care for a Positive Pregnancy Experience (WHO, 2016)

Malaria in Pregnancy tools to support program implementation:

• Toolkit to Improve Early and Sustained Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy IPTp Toolkit
• Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria Among Women of Reproductive Age Job Aid

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Learn more about malaria in pregnancy>>

Check out the new Series from The Lancet | Malaria in pregnancy

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Read more from the World Health Organization | World Malaria Day 2018: Ready to beat malaria