The unexpected pattern of relatively low COVID-19 severity and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa compared with other regions of the world (appendix) has generated keen interest in the potential effects of interactions between SARS‑CoV‑2 and other pathogens that are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Previous studies in individuals with concomitant malaria and COVID-19 have yielded contradictory findings on the effect of co-infections on disease severity and mortality, ranging from protective, through neutral, to deleterious effects.
The Lancet Global Health published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 15 Apr 2026. The item focuses on The fascinating malaria–COVID-19 relationship. Open the detail page to review the full original feed content.