Rising Malaria Cases in Belgium Prompt New Monitoring Network

Concern is growing over increasing drug resistance in malaria parasites, leading to the launch of a new project to monitor rising cases among travelers returning to Belgium. The initiative, called be-IMPACT, aims to improve both the prevention and treatment of malaria in this population.

Increasing Incidence and Drug Resistance

Over the past decade, malaria infections among travelers in Belgium have doubled, peaking at over 500 cases in a single year three years ago. Simultaneously, researchers are observing a growing number of instances where current treatments are failing to cure the disease. This rise in treatment failures underscores the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and research into drug resistance.

The be-IMPACT Network: A Collaborative Approach

The be-IMPACT network represents the first nationwide collaboration of its kind in Belgium, bringing together seven hospitals across Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels with the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM). The project, funded by the Flemish government, will run until the end of 2028. Participating hospitals include University Hospitals Antwerp, University Hospitals Ghent, University Hospitals Brussels, UMC Sint-Pieter, UMC Saint-Luc, CHU Sart-Tilman in Liège, and CHU Humani – Marie Curie in Charleroi. Source

Three Key Research Areas

The be-IMPACT project will focus on three core areas of research:

• Traveller Behavior and Risk Perception: Social scientists will investigate why some travelers do not consistently use preventative measures and how prevention strategies can be improved.
• Treatment Effectiveness: Doctors will evaluate the continued effectiveness of current malaria treatments.
• Parasite Analysis: Laboratory researchers will analyze malaria parasites from patient samples to track the prevalence of treatment resistance and identify the origins of infections, including cases of “airport malaria” – infections with complex or unclear travel histories.

Harmonizing Prevention and Treatment Guidelines

Through annual workshops involving physicians, policymakers, and government agencies, the network aims to establish consistent prevention and treatment guidelines across Belgium. Dr. Martin Vandeputte of UMC Sint-Pieter highlighted the value of the network in improving data quality and ensuring more consistent and effective care. Source

ITM’s Global Health Focus

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, established in 1906, is dedicated to advancing science and health worldwide. ITM focuses on tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and inadequate healthcare, conducting innovative research, providing advanced education, and sharing expertise with partner institutions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Source

As ITM celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2026, it continues to prioritize scientific excellence and societal impact. Source