Urban malaria and population mobility in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of urban malaria infection in SSA with high country-wise heterogeneity. While country-level differences contributed to this variability, other important sources of heterogeneity included variations in population included, method employed and population characteristics. The pooled estimate showed that having a travel history and owning livestock in the house were identified as factors associated with urban malaria infection. Therefore, effective urban malaria control requires an integrated and targeted approach that addresses socio-economic, environmental and behavioural drivers.