Africa Bears 94% of Global Malaria Burden as Cases Rise, WHO Report Reveals
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Africa continues to shoulder the world’s heaviest malaria burden, accounting for 94% of global cases according to the WHO World Malaria Report 2024. The disease remains concentrated in 11 African nations, demanding urgent local solutions and global support.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Growing Crisis
The latest data shows malaria cases increased by 11 million in 2023 compared to 2022, with 600,000 additional deaths. Two-thirds of global malaria cases occur in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Disease
Krystal Birungi, Research Associate at Target Malaria, emphasizes the socioeconomic impact: “Malaria primarily kills African children under five and exacerbates poverty. Imagine redirecting malaria resources to education and infrastructure.”
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“Eliminating malaria requires US$18 billion to save 23 million lives by 2029 and prevent 400 million infections. We must combine innovation with bold investment.”
Krystal Birungi, Target Malaria
Innovative Solutions for Malaria Elimination
Target Malaria leads scientific innovation with gene drive technology, offering sustainable vector control. This approach aims to protect entire communities regardless of socioeconomic status.
World Malaria Day 2025: A Call to Action
As World Malaria Day approaches (April 25), experts urge renewed commitment: “Elimination is possible if we fund research and fight together,” Birungi concludes.
About Target Malaria
This international research consortium develops sustainable genetic technologies for malaria control, funded by the Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The organization collaborates with partners across Africa, Europe and North America.
Media Contact: targetmalaria@africanmediaagency.com
Distributed by African Media Agency for Target Malaria.
Source: African Media Agency