12.7 Million Malaria Deaths Averted Since 2000: WH...

12.7 Million Malaria Deaths Averted Since 2000: WHO Report

Oscar J. Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

The World Health Organization's 2024 World Malaria Report highlights remarkable progress in malaria control over the past two decades. Since 2000, enhanced prevention and treatment efforts have averted an estimated 2.2 billion malaria cases and 12.7 million related deaths globally.

Despite these achievements, malaria remains a significant global health threat, particularly in Africa. The WHO African Region accounted for approximately 95% of malaria-related deaths in 2023.

The report estimates that there were 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide last year, an increase of 11 million cases compared to 2022. Four countries, including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, contributed to over half of all malaria-related deaths.

While 44 countries and one territory have been certified malaria-free, high-burden nations struggle to meet global targets. Vulnerable populations, particularly young children and pregnant women, continue to bear the brunt of this preventable disease.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stressed the need for stronger action:

"No one should die of malaria; yet the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region."

Dr. Tedros urged for renewed investments and enhanced action in high-burden regions to mitigate the ongoing crisis.

To combat the disease, WHO advocates for increased access to innovative tools, such as next-generation insecticide-treated nets and malaria vaccines. As of December 2024, 17 countries have integrated malaria vaccines into their routine childhood immunization programs. Scaling up these efforts is projected to save tens of thousands of lives annually.

However, funding gaps threaten to undermine progress. In 2023, global funding for malaria control totaled US$4 billion, falling significantly short of the US$8.3 billion needed to meet global targets. Without sufficient resources, efforts to combat malaria risk stalling, endangering millions of lives.