Sub-Saharan Africa faces a dual burden of health challenges, with maternal and child health (MCH) and vector-borne diseases (VBDs) standing as intertwined public health priorities. MCH outcomes in the region are influenced by socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors, compounded by the high prevalence of VBDs such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Despite being central to global health agendas, the region continues to experience high rates of maternal and child morbidity and mortality, alongside a disproportionate share of global malaria and other VBDs cases and deaths. These overlapping challenges demand multidisciplinary approaches to improve health outcomes, making this an urgent area of research and action.

Maternal and child health in Sub-Saharan Africa remains as a critical global health problem due to limited access to quality healthcare, malnutrition, inadequate immunization coverage, and poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions. Concurrently, vector-borne diseases such as malaria contribute significantly to maternal and child morbidity and mortality, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. These diseases exacerbate nutritional deficiencies and compromise immunity, creating a cycle of vulnerability.

Recent advances highlight the potential of integrated approaches to address these challenges. Studies show that strategies such as improving healthcare delivery systems, engaging community health workers, and implementing culturally adapted interventions can mitigate health inequities. Moreover, understanding the impact of environmental changes, including urbanization, deforestation, and climate change, on the distribution of VBDs is crucial to designing effective solutions.

Innovative interventions, including integrated vector management, MCH vaccination and nutrition programs, and the use of health technologies including maternal and child health, offer promising avenues for improvement. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and community-based research, these approaches can ensure that interventions are culturally relevant, sustainable, and impactful.

This collection invites contributions that explore maternal and child health and vector-borne diseases interactions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Key themes include:
• The burden of maternal and child health and vector-borne diseases in countries in in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• The impact of vector-borne diseases on pregnancy, neonatal health, and early childhood outcomes;
• Intersections between maternal and child malnutrition, immunity, and disease vulnerability;
• The influence of environmental and ecological factors on vector-borne diseases and maternal and child health outcomes;
• The role of healthcare systems, community health workers, and participatory interventions in addressing these challenges.

We welcome original research, review articles, case studies, and commentaries. Submissions emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and actionable insights for policy and practice are particularly encouraged to advance health equity and well-being across the region.

Impact

Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

Tropical Disease Epidemiology and Ecology

Participating Journals

Frontiers in Pediatrics

Pediatric Infectious Diseases