Eliminating Malaria on Bioko Island

Challenges

There are challenges that Bioko Island is facing in eliminating malaria. Some of these include:

  • Malaria importation: Frequent human travel between Bioko Island and mainland Africa exposes the island to malaria parasites being constantly imported due to travelers infected with malaria.
  • Land-use change: Increasing land development creates changes in land use that provide the means for mosquito breeding sites to form, which sustains the local mosquito population.
  • Resilient vector populations: Local mosquito populations continue to persist in hot spots.

Results

20+

years controlling malaria on Bioko Island and strengthening the health system.

75%

reduction in malaria prevalence.

77%+

reduction in child mortality.

The 20-year-old partnership with the Government of Equatorial Guinea and private companies has allowed the BIMEP to build strong ties with local authorities. Sustaining malaria control for a long, consistent period has made great impact on the malaria burden.

Before 2004, around half of Bioko Island’s population was infected with malaria. Currently, prevalence is under 10%, meaning a reduction in cases. The BIMEP has formally documented and even quantified the challenges. This has resulted in an evidence base that informs adaptive strategies to respond to challenges.

Recent Publications

Regular Plasmodium falciparum importation onto Bioko Island, Equatorial Gui...

Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project (BIMEP) Malaria Indicator Survey 2...

Impact of six-month COVID-19 travel moratorium on Plasmodium falciparum pre...

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“Malaria was always the leading cause of morbidity and mortality on Bioko, but now, however, there is a decrease in child morbidity and mortality and maternal deaths thanks in part to the strategies of the NMCP with the support of MCD Global Health. To date, the Ministry of Health has taken as a model the guidelines from the malaria control program, which were largely established by MCD.”

—Matilde Riloha-Rivas
Director, National Malaria Control Program
Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea

Highlights of Our Work

Project History

  • MCD receives P3 Impact Award

    P3 award logo

    U.S. Department of State awarded MCD and partners P3 Impact Award for work done through Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project

    2019

  • Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project formed

    Women holding bed net

    Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project (BIMEP) established to use monitoring and evaluation, surveillance, and preventative approaches in controlling malaria in Equatorial Guinea

    2019

  • Next Generation Malaria Vaccine Candidate coalition formed

    MCD's BIMCP became part of a coalition of more than 65 research institutions, led by Sanaria, Inc., in developing a whole parasite Plasmodium falciparum (PfSPZ) vaccine.

    2013

  • Bioko Island Malaria Control Project established

    The Bioko Island Malaria Control Project was established and applied mosquito-control strategies on the island, including indoor residual spraying, LLIN distribution, entomological monitoring, etc.

    2004

News & Updates

MCD’s 2024 Annual Report: Unlocking Potential of Our Communities and Health Workforce
Lower Indoor Residual Spraying Coverage May Provide Sufficient Level of Protection Against Malaria
Advancing Malaria Elimination: Insights from Our Latest Research