Publications

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, with water resource management (WRM) playing a central role in its transmission dynamics. The urban-rural disparities in WRM contribute significantly to the differences in malaria burden between these areas. In urban regions, better-developed water infrastructure and sanitation systems often limit mosquito breeding sites, reducing malaria transmission. However, rapid urbanization and informal settlements in cities introduce pockets of vulnerability, where inadequate waste management and water drainage still contribute to mosquito proliferation. Conversely, rural areas are marked by a reliance on untreated surface water sources and poor sanitation infrastructure, creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. The lack of efficient WRM in these communities exacerbates the malaria burden, as inadequate water access and sanitation increase mosquito breeding grounds and limit access to effective malaria control interventions. This review explores the role of urban-rural disparities in WRM, highlighting their influence on malaria transmission, prevention, and control strategies. By analyzing these disparities, the review proposes policy interventions and community-based solutions to improve WRM and sanitation in rural regions, thereby reducing malaria risks. Addressing the gaps in WRM across both urban and rural contexts is crucial for achieving sustainable malaria control in Sub-Saharan Africa.