WHO Report Says Billions of Malaria Cases Have Been Averted This Century

New data from the WHO reveal that “an estimated 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths have been averted since 2000, but the disease remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region.”

There were about 11 million more cases of malaria worldwide in 2023 than there were in 2022. Approximately 95% of the deaths in 2023 “occurred in the WHO African Region, where many at risk still lack access to the services they need to prevent, detect and treat the disease.”

As of November 2024, “44 countries and 1 territory had been certified malaria-free by WHO, and many more are steadily progressing towards the goal. Of the 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 countries now report fewer than 10 cases of malaria a year, an increase from 4 countries in 2000.” The WHO African Region has also “achieved a 16% reduction in its malaria mortality rate.”

Despite progress, the estimated 2023 mortality rate is still “more than double the target level of 23 deaths per 100,000” set by the WHO. Ministers of Health from 11 African countries that account for two-thirds of global malaria cases have “signed a declaration pledging to sustainably and equitably lower the disease burden and address the root causes by strengthening national health systems, enhancing coordination and ensuring the strategic use of information, among other actions.”

Vaccines and new-generation nets are becoming more widespread in many malaria-endemic countries. Funding fell far short of the targeted US$8.3 billion in 2023 despite this.