Malaria cases rose by 11 million in 2023, bringing the total to 263 million, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) report. The death toll remained high, with 597,000 fatalities, the majority being African children under five years old.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that “no one should die of malaria,” yet the disease disproportionately affects children and pregnant women in Africa.
Progress against malaria has stagnated since 2015, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating challenges. While new tools like vaccines and advanced bed nets show promise, climate change, drug resistance, and underfunding hinder efforts. The $4 billion raised in 2023 fell far short of the $8.3 billion needed to fight the disease effectively.
The WHO continues to advocate for increased investment and innovative strategies to combat this preventable and treatable disease.
