The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that malaria cases rose by 11 million in 2023, reaching an estimated 263 million globally. Despite ongoing efforts, there were 597,000 deaths, primarily among African children under the age of 5. This marks another year of limited progress in combating the disease.
Key Statistics
- Malaria Cases: 263 million in 2023 (up from 252 million in 2022).
- Deaths: 597,000 (consistent with 2022 figures).
- Risk Rates:
- 2015: 58 cases per 1,000 people at risk.
- 2023: 60.4 cases per 1,000 people at risk — nearly triple the WHO target.
- Mortality: 13.7 deaths per 100,000 people at risk — more than twice the WHO target.
WHO Director-General’s Statement
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized:
“No-one should die of malaria; yet the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region, especially young children and pregnant women.”
Challenges in Combating Malaria
- Climate Change
- Conflict and Displacement
- Drug and Insecticide Resistance
- Funding Shortages: In 2023, only $4 billion was available, far short of the $8.3 billion needed to tackle malaria effectively.
New Tools for Fighting Malaria
Despite the challenges, progress has been made in some regions with new tools, including:
- Two Vaccines
- Next-Generation Bed Nets
The Stalled Fight Against Malaria
While cases and deaths fell significantly between 2000 and 2015, progress has since stalled and reversed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest report underscores the urgent need for increased funding and coordinated global efforts to achieve meaningful reductions in malaria cases and deaths.
