Global malaria cases rise by 11 million in 2023 as funding falls $4.3 billion short

Despite the significant rise in cases, funding for malaria control efforts fell significantly short, with only $4 billion raised against the target of $8.3 billion set by the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria.

This funding gap has continued to hinder progress, especially in the WHO African Region, which accounts for many cases and deaths.

The report revealed that malaria claimed an estimated 597,000 lives worldwide in 2023, maintaining a similar death toll in 2022. Alarmingly, 95% of these deaths occurred in the WHO African Region, where access to essential prevention, detection, and treatment services remains limited.

“No one should die of malaria; yet the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region, especially young children and pregnant women,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 

Dr Tedros said an expanded package of lifesaving tools now offers better protection against the disease.

“Stepped-up investments and action in high-burden African countries are needed to curb the threat,” he stressed. 

“In 2023, total funding reached an estimated US$ 4 billion, falling far short of the year’s funding target of US$ 8.3 billion set by the Global technical strategy,” It emphasized 

The funding gap has led to significant shortfalls in the availability of insecticide-treated nets, medicines, and other lifesaving tools.

Weak health systems, inadequate surveillance, and emerging biological threats like drug and insecticide resistance further complicate efforts to curb malaria.

Strengthening commitments in Africa 

“As of December 2024, 17 countries had introduced malaria vaccines through routine childhood immunization. The continued scale-up of the vaccines in Africa is expected to save tens of thousands of young lives every year,” It concluded.