Larger mangrove forests carry lower and healthier ones higher malaria risk: the importance of integrating mangrove conservation with vector management at local scale

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health challenge causing an annual estimated 600,000 deaths and 250 million infections. While most malaria vector control efforts focus on freshwater mosquito species, saltwater-tolerant mosquitoes inhabiting coastal ecosystems like mangrove forests remain understudied. Historically, mangrove forests have been perceived as breeding grounds for malaria vectors, which is often a motivation for their destruction. However, mangroves provide crucial