Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, with water resource management (WRM) 
playing a central role in its transmission dynamics. The urban-rural disparities in WRM contribute significantly to 
the differences in malaria burden between these areas. In urban regions, better-developed water infrastructure and 
sanitation systems often limit mosquito breeding sites, reducing malaria transmission. However, rapid urbanization 
and informal settlements in cities introduce pockets of vulnerability, where inadequate waste management and water 
drainage still contribute to mosquito proliferation. Conversely, rural areas are marked by a reliance on untreated 
surface water sources and poor sanitation infrastructure, creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. The lack 
of efficient WRM in these communities exacerbates the malaria burden, as inadequate water access and sanitation 
increase mosquito breeding grounds and limit access to effective malaria control interventions. This review explores 
the role of urban-rural disparities in WRM, highlighting their influence on malaria transmission, prevention, and 
control strategies. By analyzing these disparities, the review proposes policy interventions and community-based 
solutions to improve WRM and sanitation in rural regions, thereby reducing malaria risks. Addressing the gaps in 
WRM across both urban and rural contexts is crucial for achieving sustainable malaria control in Sub-Saharan 
Africa.