Bibliometric Analysis of Malaria Research in Sudan Published in Scopus Database: Trends and Focus Areas (1956–2024)

Background: Malaria, a life-threatening disease, remains a major public health challenge, particularly in Sudan, where it causes significant morbidity and mortality. This review aimed to comprehensively review and explore malaria research in Sudan in the Scopus database and identify cited articles from 1956 to 2024.
Methods: A bibliometric and thematic analysis was conducted to explore research on malaria in Sudan. On May 18, 2025, we searched the Scopus database for documents (reviews OR articles) published between 1956 and 2024, using a Boolean search strategy with title-based terms. The aim was to gain comprehensive insights into the growth of malaria research in Sudan, identify key contributions from authors, countries, and institutions, and highlight emerging research topics. Data were analyzed using VOS viewer (version 1.6.6) and the Biblioshiny tool.
Results: A total of 252 documents on malaria in Sudan were analyzed, showing a steady publication trend from 1978 to 2022, with a peak in 2004 (17 documents). Citation impact peaked in 2014 (3.6 citations/article) and declined in 2023. Sudan was the leading contributor (138 articles, 55%), with Adam I. from the University of Khartoum as the most prolific author (90 publications, h-index 26). “Malaria Journal” was the most active journal among 105 journals (36 articles, JIF 2.4). “Malaria,” “Sudan,” and “Plasmodium falciparum” were the most explored keywords by authors. Thematic mapping indicated that the emerging themes focused on “thrombocytopenia,” “Anopheles stephensi,” and “antibodies. Keyword analysis did not highlight “ACT-resistant malaria” as an emerging or high-centrality topic.
Conclusion: National and international efforts are needed for restarting malaria control in Sudan. Our findings provide an overview of the global status and potential trends of malaria in Sudan. This can assist in exploring the knowledge structure and offers insights for future research on malaria in Sudan.