Global Malaria Crisis: Rising Deaths and the Fight for Control

Malaria remains a significant global health threat, with a recent surge in cases and deaths, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite decades of progress, challenges like drug and insecticide resistance, climate change, and funding shortfalls are jeopardizing efforts to control and eliminate this preventable disease. This article examines the current state of malaria, the interventions being used, and the role of the U.S. Government in combating this ongoing crisis.

Key Facts

• Approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria infection. In 2024, there were an estimated 282 million cases of malaria and 610,000 deaths worldwide.
• Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of the malaria burden, accounting for 95% of cases and deaths in 2024.
• Children under five years of age are particularly vulnerable, representing about 75% of malaria deaths in the African Region.
• New tools, including dual-ingredient insecticide-treated nets and malaria vaccines, are being integrated into broader health systems, offering renewed hope.
• U.S. Funding for malaria control and research was approximately $1 billion in FY 2026.

Global Situation

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, is a life-threatening disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. While preventable and curable, it continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-poor regions. Infection can lead to fever, chills, anemia, and, in severe cases, cerebral malaria and death. 1

Global malaria control efforts have seen fluctuations over time. After a decline in the 1970s, renewed attention was given to the disease in the late 1990s with the creation of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (now the RBM Partnership to Finish Malaria). 2 The adoption of the Millennium Development Goals in 2000 further spurred action, leading to increased access to prevention and treatment. But, recent progress has stalled in some countries due to factors like poverty, weak health systems, climate change, and drug resistance. 3

Morbidity and Mortality

In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths globally, with the majority occurring among children under five. 4, 5 Multidrug-resistant malaria and insecticide resistance pose significant challenges to control efforts. 6 Pregnant women, people with HIV/AIDS, and travelers are also at higher risk of severe infection.

Interventions

Malaria control strategies involve a combination of prevention and treatment methods, including:

• Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs)
• Indoor residual spraying (IRS)
• Diagnosis and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)
• Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp)
• Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC)
• Malaria vaccines (RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M)

The WHO has recommended and prequalified two malaria vaccines, RTS,S and R21, which have shown promising results in clinical trials. 7 As of February 2026, over 10 million children per year are targeted for malaria vaccination in 25 countries. 8

U.S. Government Efforts

Current Status

The U.S. Government has been a long-standing leader in global malaria efforts, historically being the largest government donor. 9 The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), launched in 2005, has been a key component of this commitment. However, recent shifts in U.S. Foreign aid policy and reorganization of global health programs have created uncertainty about the future of PMI and other malaria initiatives. 10

History

U.S. Involvement in global malaria control dates back to the 1950s. The launch of PMI in 2005 marked a significant increase in funding and focused efforts on 15 African countries, later expanding to include countries in Southeast Asia. 11 The U.S. Also supports multilateral efforts through the Global Fund, which is the largest overall funder of malaria programs worldwide. 12

President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI)

PMI activities have focused on expanding access to ITNs, IRS, prompt diagnosis and treatment with ACTs, and other interventions. 13 The initiative also supports research, health systems strengthening, and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

The recent rise in malaria cases and deaths underscores the urgent necessitate for sustained and increased investment in malaria control and elimination efforts. Addressing the challenges of drug and insecticide resistance, climate change, and funding gaps will be crucial to achieving the global goals of reducing malaria incidence and mortality. Continued innovation in tools and strategies, along with strong partnerships between governments, international organizations, and the private sector, will be essential to turn the tide against this deadly disease.