Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018

Abstract Accurate malaria predictions are essential for implementing timely interventions, particularly in Mozambique, where climate factors strongly influence transmission. This study aims to develop and evaluate a spatial–temporal prediction model for malaria incidence in Mozambique for potential...

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Main Authors: Chaibo Jose Armando, Joacim Rocklöv, Mohsin Sidat, Yesim Tozan, Alberto Francisco Mavume, Maquins Odhiambo Sewe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97072-6
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author Chaibo Jose Armando
Joacim Rocklöv
Mohsin Sidat
Yesim Tozan
Alberto Francisco Mavume
Maquins Odhiambo Sewe
author_facet Chaibo Jose Armando
Joacim Rocklöv
Mohsin Sidat
Yesim Tozan
Alberto Francisco Mavume
Maquins Odhiambo Sewe
author_sort Chaibo Jose Armando
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Accurate malaria predictions are essential for implementing timely interventions, particularly in Mozambique, where climate factors strongly influence transmission. This study aims to develop and evaluate a spatial–temporal prediction model for malaria incidence in Mozambique for potential use in a malaria early warning system (MEWS). We used monthly data on malaria cases from 2001 to 2018 in Mozambique, the model incorporated lagged climate variables selected through Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), including mean temperature and precipitation (1–2 months), relative humidity (5–6 months), and Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) (3–4 months). Predictive distributions from monthly cross-validations were employed to calculate threshold exceedance probabilities, with district-specific thresholds set at the 75th percentile of historical monthly malaria incidence. The model’s ability to predict high and low malaria seasons was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results indicated that malaria incidence in Mozambique peaks from November to April, offering a predictive lead time of up to 4 months. The model demonstrated high predictive power with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.897 (0.893–0.901), sensitivity of 0.835 (0.827–0.843), and specificity of 0.793 (0.787–0.798), underscoring its suitability for integration into a MEWS. Thus, incorporating climate information within a multisectoral approach is essential for enhancing malaria prevention interventions effectiveness.
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spelling doaj-art-648bf3f5bc6740938071c8beb866d1522025-08-20T02:17:13ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-97072-6Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018Chaibo Jose Armando0Joacim Rocklöv1Mohsin Sidat2Yesim Tozan3Alberto Francisco Mavume4Maquins Odhiambo Sewe5Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable Health Section Umeå UniversityDepartment of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable Health Section Umeå UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane UniversitySchool of Global Public Health, New York UniversityFaculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane UniversityDepartment of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable Health Section Umeå UniversityAbstract Accurate malaria predictions are essential for implementing timely interventions, particularly in Mozambique, where climate factors strongly influence transmission. This study aims to develop and evaluate a spatial–temporal prediction model for malaria incidence in Mozambique for potential use in a malaria early warning system (MEWS). We used monthly data on malaria cases from 2001 to 2018 in Mozambique, the model incorporated lagged climate variables selected through Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), including mean temperature and precipitation (1–2 months), relative humidity (5–6 months), and Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) (3–4 months). Predictive distributions from monthly cross-validations were employed to calculate threshold exceedance probabilities, with district-specific thresholds set at the 75th percentile of historical monthly malaria incidence. The model’s ability to predict high and low malaria seasons was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results indicated that malaria incidence in Mozambique peaks from November to April, offering a predictive lead time of up to 4 months. The model demonstrated high predictive power with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.897 (0.893–0.901), sensitivity of 0.835 (0.827–0.843), and specificity of 0.793 (0.787–0.798), underscoring its suitability for integration into a MEWS. Thus, incorporating climate information within a multisectoral approach is essential for enhancing malaria prevention interventions effectiveness.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97072-6MalariaMozambiqueEarly warningClimatePrediction
spellingShingle Chaibo Jose Armando
Joacim Rocklöv
Mohsin Sidat
Yesim Tozan
Alberto Francisco Mavume
Maquins Odhiambo Sewe
Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018
Scientific Reports
Malaria
Mozambique
Early warning
Climate
Prediction
title Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018
title_full Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018
title_fullStr Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018
title_full_unstemmed Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018
title_short Spatio-temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in Mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018
title_sort spatio temporal modelling and prediction of malaria incidence in mozambique using climatic indicators from 2001 to 2018
topic Malaria
Mozambique
Early warning
Climate
Prediction
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97072-6
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