The Impact of Climate-Resilient Housing Modifications on Malaria Incidence in Rural Endemic Regions

Malaria remains a significant public health burden, particularly in rural endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where environmental and socioeconomic factors exacerbate transmission. Despite advancements in malaria control, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), challenges like insecticide resistance, climate change, and limited healthcare access necessitate innovative, sustainable interventions. Climate-resilient housing modifications, including screened windows, insecticide-treated wall linings, and improved roofing materials, have emerged as a promising strategy to reduce malaria incidence by minimizing mosquito-human contact and enhancing resilience to climate change. This review explored the design, effectiveness, and co-benefits of these modifications, highlighting their potential to improve thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and protection against extreme weather events. The methodology utilized in this article involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and randomized controlled trials to evaluate the impact of housing modifications on malaria incidence. While evidence supports their effectiveness, challenges such as cost, cultural acceptability, and technical expertise must be addressed to ensure scalability and sustainability. Future research should focus on cost-effectiveness, long-term impact, and integration with existing malaria control strategies. Climate-resilient housing modifications offer a dual benefit of malaria prevention and climate adaptation, presenting a transformative opportunity to reduce disease burden and enhance community resilience in the face of a changing climate. Keywords: Malaria prevention, Climate-resilient housing, Housing modifications, Rural endemic regions, Climate change adaptation.