Global efforts need to be boosted to combat the growing threat of malaria

New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that an estimated 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths have been prevented since 2000, but the disease remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region.

According to the latest WHO data World Malaria Reportit is estimated that in 2023 there were 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths from malaria worldwide. This represents about 11 million more cases in 2023 compared to 2022 and almost the same number of deaths. Approximately 95% of the deaths occurred in the World Health Organization's African region, where many at risk still lack access to the services they need to prevent, detect and treat the disease.

“No one should die of malaria; but the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region, especially young children and pregnant women,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO. “The expanded rescue toolkit now offers better protection against the disease, but increased investment and action is needed in high-burden African countries to tackle the threat.”

Clear progress in many countries

From November 2024 44 countries and 1 territory The WHO has confirmed that there is no malaria, and many more are steadily progressing towards the goal. Of the 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 countries now report fewer than 10 malaria cases per year, an increase from 4 countries in 2000.

Since 2015, the WHO African Region has also achieved a 16% reduction in malaria mortality. However, the estimated 2023 mortality rate of 52.4 deaths per 100,000 population at risk is still more than double the target level of 23 deaths per 100,000 population set by Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030and progress must be accelerated.

Earlier this year, health ministers from 11 African countries that account for two-thirds of the global malaria burden (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania) and Uganda) signed the declaration committing to sustainably and equitably reduce the burden of disease and address root causes by strengthening national health systems, improving coordination and ensuring the strategic use of information, among other actions.

Wider use of effective tools offers new hope

With increased political commitment, wider application of WHO-recommended tools is poised to drive further gains in malaria-endemic countries. As of December 2024, 17 countries have introduced malaria vaccines through routine childhood immunization. Continued vaccine expansion in Africa is expected to save tens of thousands of young lives each year.

New-generation nets, which provide better protection against malaria than pyrethroid-only nets, are becoming more widely available, supporting efforts to combat mosquito resistance to pyrethroids. In 2023, these new types of nets accounted for 78% of the 195 million nets shipped to sub-Saharan Africa, up from 59% in 2022.

Funding remains a major obstacle to future progress

Global malaria control resources remain insufficient to reverse current trends, particularly in high-burden African countries. In 2023, total funding reached an estimated $4 billion, well below the $8.3 billion annual funding target set by the Global Technical Strategy. Insufficient funding has led to large gaps in coverage of insecticide-treated nets, drugs and other life-saving tools, especially for those most vulnerable to the disease.

Beyond funding, malaria-endemic countries continue to struggle with fragile health systems, weak surveillance and growing biological threats, such as drug and insecticide resistance. In many areas, conflict, violence, natural disasters, climate change and population displacement are exacerbating the already pervasive health inequalities faced by people at higher risk of malaria, including pregnant women and girls, children under 5, indigenous peoples, migrants, people with with disabilities and people in remote areas with limited access to healthcare.

Bridging gaps in malaria care through equity-focused action

This year's World Malaria Report highlights the need for a more inclusive and effective response to reach those most vulnerable to the disease. WHO urges countries to prioritize primary health care as the foundation of equitable and efficient health systems. Countries are encouraged to adopt strategies that address the root causes of malaria by addressing gender inequalities and other determinants of health.

WHO also calls for investment in robust data systems capable of tracking health inequalities, including through the collection and analysis of data disaggregated by sex, age and other social stratifiers. Equity, gender equality and human rights should be the cornerstones of malaria innovation, and the people most affected by the disease should be involved in the design and evaluation of new tools and approaches.