Malaria progress stalls, WHO report warns

SWITZERLAND—The World Health Organization has released the 2024 World Malaria Report, which highlights significant progress in the fight against malaria, with an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths averted since 2000.

However, this progress has been uneven, with many high-burden countries still struggling to close persistent gaps in malaria care and elimination efforts.

While countries like India have made notable strides, others face challenges that highlights the need for accelerated action, data-driven strategies, and renewed funding commitments.

As of 2023, 44 countries and one territory were certified malaria-free.

Yet, global cases increased by 11 million compared to the previous year, with Nigeria and Ethiopia reporting their highest malaria mortality rates since 2015.

Of the 597,000 deaths recorded, 95% occurred in African countries, and 76% of these were among children under five.

Malaria Consortium’s Chief Executive, James Tibenderana, emphasised that optimal use of existing funds, coupled with innovative financing from philanthropy and the private sector, is essential to sustain progress.

He warned that rising insecticide and drug resistance could reverse decades of gains, stressing that malaria elimination must remain the goal.

In 2023, global malaria funding reached just US$4 billion, falling far short of the US$8.3 billion needed.

This shortfall left significant gaps in providing life-saving tools, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and medicines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Stronger surveillance systems and accurate data collection are critical to addressing emerging challenges, including drug and parasite resistance, new malaria vectors, climate change, and humanitarian crises.

Cambodia serves as a model of success, reducing malaria cases to just 34 in 2023 through coordinated efforts between the government, Malaria Consortium, and mobile health workers.

These partnerships enabled better resource allocation and targeted interventions by leveraging real-time data.

Encouragingly, 17 countries introduced malaria vaccines into their immunization programs last year, providing life-saving protection to millions of children.

Innovations like seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), which reached 53 million children globally, and next-generation ITNs are also making a difference.

To sustain progress, countries must address gender inequities, improve healthcare access, and invest in robust data systems.

Political leaders need to translate commitments into tangible actions, ensuring support for endemic countries through global partnerships.

With coordinated strategies and innovative tools, the path toward malaria elimination remains within reach. 

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