While the late 1990s marked a pivotal era that laid the groundwork for remarkable advancements in global malaria control, resulting in the prevention of over two billion malaria cases and nearly 13 million deaths since the year 2000, the WHO emphasizes that these hard-won victories are precarious.
To date, the WHO has proudly certified 45 countries and 1 territory as officially malaria-free. Furthermore, numerous nations currently grappling with a low malaria burden are demonstrating consistent progress towards achieving full elimination. Encouragingly, out of the remaining 83 countries where malaria is still endemic, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases of the disease in the year 2023.
However, the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, cautions against complacency, drawing lessons from the past. "The history of malaria teaches us a harsh lesson: when we divert our attention, the disease resurges, taking its greatest toll on the most vulnerable," he stated. "But the same history also shows us what's possible: with strong political commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action and community engagement, malaria can be defeated."
A key driver of progress has been the sustained investment in the development and deployment of innovative malaria vaccines and next-generation tools designed to prevent and control the disease. This commitment is now yielding tangible results.
Notably, on this World Malaria Day, Mali is set to join 19 other African nations in introducing malaria vaccines into their routine immunization programs. This crucial step is anticipated to provide vital protection to young children, who are particularly vulnerable to this deadly disease that continues to plague the continent. The widespread rollout of malaria vaccines across Africa holds the promise of saving tens of thousands of young lives annually.
Simultaneously, the expanded utilization of a new generation of insecticide-treated nets is poised to further reduce the malaria disease burden. According to the most recent World Malaria Report, these advanced nets, which exhibit greater efficacy against malaria compared to standard pyrethroid-only nets, constituted nearly 80% of all nets distributed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, a significant increase from 59% in the preceding year.
Despite these significant achievements, malaria persists as a formidable public health challenge, tragically claiming nearly 600,000 lives in 2023 alone. The African Region remains disproportionately affected, bearing an estimated 95% of the global malaria burden each year.
In numerous regions, progress has been impeded by fragile healthcare systems and escalating threats such as the alarming rise of drug and insecticide resistance. Consequently, many at-risk populations continue to lack access to the essential services required for malaria prevention, detection, and treatment. Compounding these challenges are the far-reaching impacts of climate change, conflict, poverty, and population displacement.
The WHO recently issued a stark warning that potential funding cuts in 2025 could severely undermine progress in many endemic countries, potentially jeopardizing millions of additional lives. A recent WHO assessment of 64 Country Offices in malaria-endemic nations revealed that over half reported moderate or severe disruptions to critical malaria services.
In response to these challenges, World Malaria Day 2025, under the powerful theme "Malaria ends with us: reinvest, reimagine, reignite," serves as a resounding call for heightened political and financial commitment to safeguard the hard-won gains achieved in the fight against malaria.
To "reinvest," the WHO is uniting with partners and civil society organizations in urging malaria-endemic countries to significantly boost domestic spending, particularly within primary healthcare systems. This increased investment is crucial to ensure that all at-risk populations have consistent access to the necessary services for malaria prevention, detection, and effective treatment. Furthermore, the successful replenishment of crucial global health initiatives such as the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, remains paramount for financing vital malaria programs and interventions, thereby accelerating progress towards the ambitious targets outlined in the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030.
Addressing the current complex challenges in global malaria control necessitates a "reimagined" response, characterized by the adoption of innovative tools, strategies, and collaborative partnerships. The development of new and more effective antimalarial drugs is critical, alongside advancements in service delivery models, diagnostic capabilities, insecticides, vaccines, and vector control methodologies.
Encouragingly, an increasing number of countries are prioritizing malaria control and elimination as a national imperative. This growing commitment is exemplified by initiatives such as the Yaoundé Declaration, signed in March 2024 by African Ministers of Health from 11 countries bearing a high burden of malaria.
"Ministers committed to strengthening their health systems, stepping up domestic resources, enhancing multisectoral action and ensuring a robust accountability mechanism," noted Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. "This is the kind of leadership the world must rally behind."
Ultimately, "reigniting" commitment at all levels – from the grassroots efforts of communities and frontline health workers to the strategic engagement of governments, dedicated researchers, innovative private sector entities, and steadfast donors – will be absolutely critical in curbing the spread of malaria and, ultimately, achieving its global elimination.