An estimated 2.2 billion malaria cases have been prevented globally since 2000, thanks to public health interventions such as risk education, mosquito net usage, and vaccinations, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday.
The report, released in Geneva, revealed that these efforts have averted approximately 12.7 million deaths. WHO highlighted that 17 countries now administer routine malaria vaccinations to young children, a measure expected to save tens of thousands of lives annually.
Malaria, the most prevalent tropical disease, is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, which primarily bite during the evening and nighttime. The disease is characterized by high fever and aching limbs but can be treated with medication.
In 2023, malaria claimed an estimated 597,000 lives worldwide, with 95% of deaths occurring in African nations. While fatalities saw a slight decline, infections rose by 4% to 263 million cases.
Despite progress, WHO noted that many people still lack access to preventive measures, diagnostic tools, and treatment. Vulnerable groups, particularly young children, remain disproportionately affected.
The report also highlighted milestones in malaria eradication, noting that the disease has been eliminated in 44 countries and the French Indian Ocean territory of La Réunion. Among the 83 nations where malaria persists, 25 have reduced cases to fewer than 10 per year.
In Africa, the malaria mortality rate has dropped by 16% since 2015, showcasing the impact of sustained efforts against the disease. WHO called for continued investment to close gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
