African health ministers have called for urgent action to combat malaria, as progress against the disease stalls. According to the World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report 2024, there were an estimated 263 million cases and 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2023, with the WHO African Region accounting for 95% of malaria deaths.
The global malaria response has plateaued, with 11 million more cases reported in 2023 compared to 2022. A significant funding shortfall of $4.3 billion in 2023, far short of the $8.3 billion needed, and growing resistance to insecticides are major challenges.
Innovative solutions include new-generation insecticide-treated nets, malaria vaccines, and the Yaoundé Declaration, where 11 high-burden African countries pledged to bolster malaria control programs and improve data systems.
The WHO urges countries to prioritize primary health care, boost domestic spending, and address root causes of malaria, such as gender inequities and limited access to healthcare. Increased investments in malaria control, robust data systems, and innovative tools are also needed to drive progress.
