The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging renewed efforts to combat malaria, a disease that still claims nearly 600,000 lives annually. Despite progress made since the late 1990s, including preventing over 2 billion cases and 13 million deaths, fragile gains are at risk.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns that diverting attention to malaria can lead to a resurgence of the disease, especially among vulnerable populations. However, he also notes that with strong commitment, investment, and community engagement, malaria can be defeated.
New interventions, such as malaria vaccines and next-generation tools, are showing promising results. The introduction of malaria vaccines in Mali is expected to save tens of thousands of young lives every year. Expanded use of insecticide-treated nets is also poised to lower the disease burden.
However, progress against malaria is under threat due to fragile health systems, drug resistance, and climate change. WHO has warned that funding cuts could derail progress in endemic countries, putting millions of additional lives at risk.
To protect hard-won gains, WHO is calling for increased political and financial commitment. This includes boosting domestic spending on primary health care and replenishing the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. A reimagined response through innovative tools, strategies, and partnerships will also be crucial in addressing current challenges.
The Yaoundé Declaration, signed by African Ministers of Health, aims to strengthen health systems and enhance multisectoral action against malaria. To succeed, a global rallying point is needed from communities, frontline health workers, governments, researchers, the private sector, and donors.
Source: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-04-2025-who-calls-for-revitalized-efforts-to-end-malaria