Malaria trends in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso (2011–2024): a retrospective laboratory-based study with implications for malaria control

Background Malaria remains a major public health concern in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, temporal and seasonal trends, and risk factors for malaria in the urban population of Bobo-Dioulasso from 2011 to 2024, a period encompassing major phases of malaria control implementation in the country. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from thick and thin blood smears performed at the Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory of Centre MURAZ. Sociodemographic data, temporal data, and biological data were collected from laboratory records using a structured electronic data collection form. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors of malaria. Results Among 17,044 samples, the overall prevalence of malaria was 11.85%, with Plasmodium falciparum accounting for 97.52% of infections. Malaria prevalence showed marked seasonality, peaking between September and November. Individuals examined during the rainy season were 1.73 times more likely to be infected than those examined during the dry season (aOR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.55–1.93). Over time, prevalence increased significantly from 5.53% in 2011 to 31.26% in 2024 ( p < 0.001). The odds of malaria were higher during 2015–2019 (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02–1.34) and 2020–2024 (aOR = 3.02; 95% CI: 2.64–3.46) compared with 2011–2014. Male participants (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16–1.43) and those aged groups 5–15 years (aOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.56–2.10) and 16–26 years (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.31–1.71) also had higher odds of malaria compared with females and participants aged >26 years, respectively. Conclusion These findings highlight a resurgence of urban malaria in Bobo-Dioulasso, with significantly higher odds of infection during 2015–2019 and 2020–2024 compared with 2011–2014. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance, expanding seasonal malaria chemoprevention to school-aged children, and promoting a multisectoral, integrated approach are crucial to sustain malaria control efforts in Burkina Faso.