Climate change, education, and malaria at African universities : a scoping review to assess education provision on the effects of climate change on malaria in the curricula of African universities

Abstract

Climate change and malaria are causing significant pressure in Africa, leading to a surge in resistant malaria parasites, with the potential to increase death rates and negatively impact socioeconomic development and public health in the sub-region. Moreover, the inadequate documentation and curricula in African universities can hinder competency in personnel training and research into this issue. To address these challenges, a curricular assessment is needed to identify best practices and improve malaria-related topics in study programs. The study analyzed the literature on climate change and malaria prevalence in Africa using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology. Relevant works were identified through a Google search electronic database Scopus. The inclusion and exclusion methods were employed to extract the relevant literature on the African context. Data was charted using a data charting form to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, and analyzed using VOSviewer. The review indicates that many African universities are incorporating malaria studies into their curricula to address malaria prevalence in the context of climate change. African universities can enhance malaria education by integrating environmental science, public health, and climate studies through interdisciplinary curriculum development, research, community engagement, faculty capacity building, technology innovation, policy and advocacy training, and global partnerships. The study emphasizes the need for African universities to integrate climate change and malaria education in their curricula. By integrating environmental science, public health, and climate studies, universities can equip students and researchers to tackle malaria, improve public health outcomes, and empower future leaders to combat malaria in a changing climate.