Historical Understanding of Malaria
- Miasma theory: Malaria was historically believed to be caused by “bad air” from marshes.
- Scientific breakthrough:
- 1880: Alphonse Laveran identified the parasite in human blood.
- 1885-86: Golgi & Celli showed cyclical nature of fever.
- 1892: Marchiafava distinguished Plasmodium falciparum.
- 1894: Manson hypothesized mosquito transmission.
- 1897: Ronald Ross found the parasite in Anopheles mosquito (avian malaria).
- 1898: Grassi linked human malaria to female Anopheles, completing the understanding.
Relevance : GS 2(Heath) ,GS 3(Science)
Malaria’s Impact on Colonial History
- High mortality barrier:
- European colonisers suffered 500 deaths per 1,000 soldiers annually; >60% in inland Africa.
- Until 1870, only 10% of Africa under colonial control; mostly coastal due to disease risk.
- Health deterring governance: First three choices for Governor of Gold Coast declined due to malaria; fourth died in a month.
- Shift post-1880s:
- Malaria knowledge empowered European empires.
- Post-Berlin Conference (1884), “Scramble for Africa” escalated.
- By 1914, 90% of Africa was colonised — aided by mosquito control knowledge.
- Disease-prevention strategies:
- Drainage of swamps, high-altitude hill stations, segregation of European settlements.
- Institutionalised racial hierarchies — Africans perceived as disease carriers.
Socio-Economic and Racial Implications
- Quinine and colonisation:
- Quinine enabled European survival and governance.
- Harvested from Cinchona tree; guided use after 1880s discoveries.
- Slave trade and malaria resistance:
- Africans with partial genetic resistance to malaria (e.g. sickle cell trait) were favoured labour in the Americas.
- Priced higher than Europeans; reinforced racialised labour economy.
- Long-term effects:
- Shaped racial hierarchies, contributed to scientific racism.
- Influences modern-day racial inequalities in health and labour systems.
Modern Advances & Persistent Challenges
- Treatment evolution:
- From quinine to chloroquine to artemisinin-based therapies.
- RTS,S malaria vaccine offers hope but has limited coverage.
- Preventive tools:
- Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying.
- Environmental integration:
- Malaria control now part of environmental assessments.
- Deforestation, water stagnation, and climate change exacerbate mosquito breeding.
Current Global Malaria Burden
- WHO Report 2024 findings:
- ~263 million people affected annually.
- 600,000 deaths per year; Africa accounts for 95% of mortality.
- Ongoing public health threat:
- Despite progress, malaria remains a major global health issue.
- Urgent need for sustained investment and global coordination.
Dual Legacy of Scientific Discovery
- Positive: Enabled life-saving treatment and global disease control strategies.
- Negative: Facilitated colonial expansion and racial exploitation.
- Lesson: Science must be ethically guided to avoid misuse and unintended social harm
