Abstract

Malaria remains a major global health concern, disproportionately affecting populations in sub-Saharan Africa and 
other endemic regions. While biological factors determine susceptibility to infection, gender plays a decisive role 
in influencing exposure, treatment-seeking behavior, and outcomes. This paper examines the gender dimensions of 
malaria burden, highlighting how social, cultural, and economic inequalities intersect with biological differences to 
shape vulnerability. Women, particularly pregnant women face elevated risks due to physiological susceptibility, 
limited mobility, financial constraints, and unequal decision-making power in households. Men, meanwhile, are 
frequently exposed through occupational activities such as farming and forest work but often delay seeking care 
due to sociocultural norms surrounding masculinity. The study emphasizes the role of community health workers 
(CHWs) in bridging access gaps, particularly for women in remote or resource-limited settings. It also explores 
gender-specific interventions, including tailored awareness campaigns and prevention strategies such as 
insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution, which have proven effective in several African and Asian contexts. 
Despite progress, gaps persist in policy integration, data disaggregation, and gender-sensitive research. 
Addressing these disparities requires embedding gender analysis in malaria prevention, treatment, and policy 
frameworks. Through a gender-responsive approach aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
health systems can improve equity, strengthen community resilience, and accelerate the global drive toward 
malaria elimination.