Jamieson says the disease is not confined to South Africa. For instance, more than half of the 6,500 workers assembling the Maputo aluminium smelter have been diagnosed with malaria. Scientists are quick to point out that, while the situation is not yet an epidemic, it may well soon become one. But the situation is very serious. It could well develop into an epidemic which would be absolutely crippling.
Scientists cite a number of reasons for the increase in malaria cases.
The breakdown of malaria control measures in neighbouring countries due to underfunding also contributes massively to the situation. Mozambique has not implemented malaria control measures for years because of the civil war that raged in that country. As a result it is now facing its worst outbreak in years and the disease is spreading. Scientists are holding thumbs that a vaccine will soon be available - but the underfunding of research is likely to ensure that a malaria vaccine remains an impossible dream for years. Many of the drugs prescribed to fight malaria are no longer effective -over the years malaria parasites have developed immunity.