Socioeconomic Factors and Malaria Vulnerability: How Environmental Changes Disproportionately Affect Low-Income Communities

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, especially in low-income regions where socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities intersect. This review examines how socioeconomic factors such as poverty, inadequate housing, limited access to healthcare, low educational attainment, and weak infrastructure amplify malaria vulnerability. Furthermore, it explores how environmental changes, including climate variability, deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, disproportionately affect impoverished communities. These changes often lead to increased breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, extended transmission seasons, and strained public health systems. The review highlights the need for integrated approaches that address both environmental management and socioeconomic development, emphasizing the role of community engagement, education, and sustainable policy interventions in reducing malaria risk among the most vulnerable populations. Keywords: Malaria, socioeconomic factors, environmental change, poverty, climate variability, housing, deforestation, urbanization, health equity, vector-borne diseases