Malaria-Induced Anaemia: A Narrative Review

Malaria induced anaemia remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in endemic regions, especially among children under five and pregnant women. This narrative review narraretes the multifactorial pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management strategies of this condition. We explore the destruction of parasitized and non parasitized red blood cells, highlighting that approximately 90 % of acute erythrocyte loss stems from non parasitized cell clearance via hemolysis and splenic phagocytosis. We also discuss host factors such as genetic traits (e.g., G6PD deficiency, hemoglobin variants) and co infections that modulate severity. Nutritional deficits and reinforcements from concurrent infectious diseases exacerbate anaemia, particularly in low-resource settings. Therapeutic approaches emphasize prompt antimalarial treatment, iron supplementation where appropriate, and emerging immunomodulatory agents targeting cytokine-driven suppression. Drawing from clinical and experimental studies, we highlight gaps in understanding the molecular interplay and advocate for integrated therapeutic strategies combining anti-parasitic, hematologic, and immunologic interventions. Enhanced insights into these mechanisms are critical for developing comprehensive interventions to reduce the global impact of malaria-induced anaemia.