This study provides a comprehensive analysis of vector-borne infectious diseases of poverty (vb-pIDP), including malaria, leishmaniasis, African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and onchocerciasis. Here are the key findings:

Global Trends

• Malaria had the highest age-standardized prevalence rate and DALYs rate globally.
• Lymphatic filariasis had the highest age-standardized prevalence rate in Oceania, while onchocerciasis had the highest age-standardized prevalence rate in central sub-Saharan Africa.

Regional Patterns

• Western sub-Saharan Africa and central sub-Saharan Africa had the highest age-standardized prevalence rates for malaria.
• Eastern sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania were also hotspots for malaria.
• Lymphatic filariasis was prevalent in Oceania, while onchocerciasis was prevalent in central sub-Saharan Africa.

Age-Specific Trends

• Malaria prevalence peaked in children under five years of age, then declined with increasing age.
• Lymphatic filariasis cases and DALYs rates peaked in the 20-24 years age group, then declined with increasing age.
• African trypanosomiasis DALYs rate increased from ages five to 20, then decreased.

Gender Differences

• Malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease prevalence were not different between males and females across all age groups.
• Lymphatic filariasis DALYs rates were slightly higher in females than in males in the 15-19 years age group and above.

Risk Factors for Malaria

• The leading risk factor for malaria-related DALYs was child underweight, followed by child stunting. Child wasting had a negligible impact.
• In high SDI regions, the impacts of child underweight, child stunting, and child wasting were minimal.
• In low-SDI regions, the impacts were greatest, but showed an overall decline from 1990 to 2021.

Variance Analysis

• Variability in disease prevalence was highest within regions (e.g., western sub-Saharan Africa) than between regions (geographic region).
• Age-standardized rates were consistently higher for females with higher numbers of stunted children.

Key Observations

• The most vulnerable population to malaria and other vb-pIDP are young children, especially those under five years old.
• Child underweight and child stunting have significant associations with increased risk of malaria-related DALYs across regions.
• There is still much work to be done in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases and improving overall health outcomes for vulnerable populations.