By Tafesse Kefyalew Estifanos, Brendan Fisher, and Taylor H. Ricketts.

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What was the inspiration for this article?

As an Ethiopian from sub-Saharan Africa, I’ve firsthand experienced malaria’s devastating impact on children. This highlights the urgent need to address malaria. Environmental destruction, a driver of poverty, also contributes to malaria spread. Understanding the link between these two factors in high-risk areas is crucial.

How does your article inform future research?

Our research highlights the importance of understanding the complex relationship between deforestation and the effectiveness of bed nets in malaria control.

Bed nets are generally effective in reducing malaria positivity, but their effectiveness can be influenced by the level of deforestation. Bed nets can be effective in reducing malaria, particularly in areas with lower deforestation levels. In areas with higher levels of deforestation, there may be increased mosquito breeding and other environmental factors that can limit the effectiveness of bed nets. 

The study highlights the need for further research to understand the complex relationship between deforestation, malaria control interventions, and land-use change over time to inform effective malaria control strategies in Africa. Additionally, it can promote interdisciplinary research and explore nature-based solutions for malaria control.

Why did you choose People and Nature for your research?

We chose People and Nature Journal because of its focus on the interactions between humans and nature. Our research examines how land-use changes, such as deforestation, impact human health, particularly malaria. This aligns with the journal’s interdisciplinary approach, contributing to research relevant to mosquito ecology, economics, and health, and ultimately enhancing our understanding of the relationship between humans and nature.