Malaria prevention in children and pregnant women: a review of gaps and emerging challenges in sub-Saharan Africa

Malaria remains a major health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly for pregnant women and young children. This review assesses implementation gaps in WHO-recommended prevention strategies, including IPTp-SP, ITN use, and timely fever diagnosis. Coverage remains suboptimal and shaped by socioeconomic inequities. Climate change, rising resistance, and funding constraints threaten progress. Strengthening integrated service delivery, community engagement, and context-specific approaches is essential to advance toward 2030 malaria targets.