Nigeria remains one of the five countries with the heaviest malaria burden globally, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest malaria report, released on Wednesday.
The report estimated 263 million malaria cases worldwide in 2023, reflecting an increase of 11 million cases compared to the previous year.
The WHO noted that the African region continues to bear the brunt of the disease, accounting for approximately 94% of global malaria cases in 2023. Nigeria alone contributed 26% of these cases, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (13%), Uganda (5%), Ethiopia (4%), and Mozambique (4%).
Malaria-related deaths globally were estimated at 597,000 in 2023, with a mortality rate of 13.7 per 100,000. This marks a decline from 622,000 deaths and a rate of 14.9 per 100,000 in 2020. Despite this progress, the African region continues to account for 95% of malaria-related deaths worldwide.
Since 2000, substantial progress has been made in combating malaria. The WHO estimates that between 2000 and 2023, 2.2 billion malaria cases and 12.7 million deaths were averted globally. Of these, the African region accounted for 1.7 billion cases and 12 million deaths prevented. In 2023 alone, global efforts averted over 177 million cases and more than 1 million deaths.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the progress made in deploying malaria interventions. By December 2024, 17 countries had introduced WHO-recommended malaria vaccines through routine childhood immunization programs, with more countries preparing for their rollouts.
The introduction of innovative tools, such as a new generation of insecticide-treated bed nets offering better protection, is also gaining momentum. Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of sustained efforts: “Malaria remains a formidable challenge. By working together, tailoring interventions to local settings, harnessing innovation, and maintaining a relentless focus, we can regain momentum and move towards our shared vision of a malaria-free future.”
The WHO report highlighted significant regional disparities in malaria incidence. For instance, the Eastern Mediterranean Region has seen a 57% increase in malaria cases since 2021, reaching 17.9 cases per 1,000 at-risk individuals in 2023.
To address these challenges, the WHO underscores the need for tailored interventions and increased access to prevention tools like vaccines and insecticide-treated nets. Continued investment and collaboration among countries remain vital in reducing malaria cases and deaths globally.
While the fight against malaria has seen remarkable progress, the burden remains disproportionately high in Nigeria and other African countries, demanding sustained commitment and innovation to achieve a malaria-free future.
