The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that malaria caused 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with 263 million recorded cases of the disease.
In its latest World Malaria Report, WHO expressed concern over the continued global threat of malaria, despite significant progress made since 2000. An estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths have been averted over the past two decades. However, malaria remains a pressing issue, especially in the African region, where 95% of global deaths occurred in 2023.
“This represents about 11 million more cases compared to 2022, with nearly the same number of deaths. Many at risk still lack access to essential malaria prevention, detection, and treatment services,” the report stated.
Key Findings
- As of November 2024, 44 countries and one territory had been certified malaria-free by WHO.
- Twenty-five malaria-endemic countries now report fewer than 10 cases annually, compared to only four in 2000.
- The African region has achieved a 16% reduction in malaria mortality rates since 2015.
Despite this progress, the 2023 malaria mortality rate of 52.4 deaths per 100,000 population remains over double the target of 23 deaths per 100,000 set by the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030.
Health Ministers from 11 African countries accounting for two-thirds of the global malaria burden (including Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda) signed a declaration earlier this year to reduce malaria sustainably. They pledged to strengthen healthcare systems, enhance coordination, and use strategic information to tackle root causes of the disease.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the urgent need for more investment and action in high-burden African countries:
“No one should die of malaria. Yet the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region, especially young children and pregnant women. An expanded package of lifesaving tools now offers better protection, but stepped-up investments are critical to curb the threat.”