The European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) is pleased to announce the publication of “Placental malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global burden, risk factors, and maternal and foetal outcomes”, authored by Flavia D'Alessio and colleagues, including EVI scientists and senior research leads. This new study underscores EVI’s continued scientific leadership and longstanding engagement in placental malaria research.

December 2025

This comprehensive analysis brings renewed attention to placental malaria (PM), a condition that continues to threaten millions of pregnant women and newborns globally. Drawing on 50 studies conducted since 2013, the review confirms that placental malaria remains highly prevalent in malaria-endemic regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 1 in 5 pregnant women are affected. When more sensitive histology-based diagnostic methods were used, prevalence rose to nearly 1 in 4, indicating that many infections may go undetected.

The study also highlights groups who face elevated risk, including first-time mothers and women living with HIV, the latter showing prevalence rates as high as 45% in one study. While evidence on birth outcomes remains limited, the data illustrated concerning associations with stillbirth, preterm birth and low birth weight, reinforcing the urgent need for improved prevention, detection and treatment.

Placental malaria has been a priority for EVI since 2003, and this publication by EVI researchers and longstanding partners underlines the organisation’s central role in advancing knowledge and innovation in this area. Through its sustained commitment to PM vaccine development, research coordination and scientific capacity strengthening, EVI continues to contribute vital evidence that informs global health planning and future interventions to protect mothers and newborns.

Placental malaria continues to affect millions of women who are already facing systemic barriers to healthcare. By bringing together the latest global data, we hope to support stronger policies and renewed commitment to safeguarding maternal and newborn health in malaria-endemic regions. Stronger prevention strategies and sustained investment in vaccine development are urgently needed”.

Malaria in pregnancy is a silent driver of maternal and neonatal morbidity. By compiling the most recent global evidence, this review provides a critical foundation for policymakers, funders and researchers working to reduce maternal and infant mortality linked to malaria. Expanding vaccine development and elevating placental malaria as a global health priority are essential next steps, and EVI will continue to champion both.

We congratulate the authors on this important contribution to the field and remain deeply committed to advancing tools that can protect mothers and babies from placental malaria.

Read the full publication here:

Menon et al. (2025) Placental malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global burden, risk factors, and maternal and foetal outcomes

Image: Photo by Mildred Onditi from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/pregnant-woman-posing-in-traditional-clothing-15963787/

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This article is republished under the authorization of the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), and is for educational and exchange purposes only. Original link: https://www.euvaccine.eu/post/placental-malaria-remains-a-major-threat-to-mothers-and-newborns-new-evi-study-shows. All copyrights belong to the original author.