WHO warns funding cuts could lead to increase in malaria deaths in 2024

LONDON, Dec 4 Approximately 610,000 people succumbed to malaria in 2024, predominantly young children in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization. The UN agency highlighted the mounting threats posed by drug resistance, climate change, and reductions in financial support.

The 2024 death toll represents a slight rise compared with 2023, while malaria cases increased from 273 million to roughly 282 million, as detailed in WHOs annual malaria report.

After significant progress in reducing malaria in the early 2000s, efforts have slowed over the past decade. While 47 countries have achieved malaria-free status, several nations experienced surges in cases in 2024, particularly Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Yemen.

Far too many people continue to die from a disease that is both preventable and treatable, stated Daniel Ngamije Madandi, director of WHOs global malaria program. He cited growing resistance to malaria medications and insecticides used in bed nets, combined with climate-related challenges and conflict, as major obstacles to controlling the disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Population growth partially explains the increase in cases, but the incidence rateadjusted for populationalso rose from 59 to 64 cases per 100,000 people at risk between 2015 and 2024. Mortality rates have slightly decreased, from 14.9 to 13.8 per 100,000 people at risk.

Financial support for malaria control remains insufficient. In 2024, global investment from both donors and affected nations totaled $3.9 billion, falling short of the $9 billion target. These figures do not yet reflect international aid cuts implemented in the United States starting January, which have already impacted malaria response efforts.

Ngamije warned, Underfunding the malaria response carries an evident risk of a large-scale, uncontrolled resurgence. He emphasized that new toolsbetter treatments, diagnostics, and malaria vaccineshave saved millions of lives but must reach vulnerable populations to be effective. Both governments in affected regions and international donors share the responsibility for ensuring access.

Author: Logan Reeves