WHO reports 600,000 Malaria deaths in 2023

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that malaria remains a major public health concern, causing 600,000 deaths in 2023, with 95% of these deaths occurring in Africa.

The UN agency’s report highlights the challenges in preventing, identifying, and treating malaria, particularly in regions with weak health systems and growing resistance to medication and insecticides.

According to the report, factors such as poverty, conflict, climate change, and population displacement exacerbate the threat of malaria. Furthermore, funding cuts in 2025 could impede efforts to control the disease, putting millions of lives at risk.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the importance of sustained investment, multisectoral action, and community engagement in defeating malaria.

He noted that robust international cooperation has prevented almost 2 billion cases of malaria and around 13 million deaths since 2000.

Malaria Vaccines and Innovative Solutions

In a positive development, Mali will join 19 other African countries in introducing malaria vaccines, a vital step towards protecting young children from the disease.

The large-scale rollout of malaria vaccines in Africa is expected to save tens of thousands of young lives every year.

The WHO report calls for increased domestic spending, particularly in primary health care, to ensure all at-risk populations can access necessary services.

It also emphasises the need for innovative tools, strategies, and partnerships to address current challenges in malaria control.

The global health community is urged to redouble efforts to eradicate malaria, with a focus on protecting vulnerable populations and promoting sustainable solutions to this deadly disease.