Malaria prevention Sees Major Gains in 2024, WHO Reports
Table of Contents
Wider use of new tools against malaria, including dual-ingredient nets and WHO-recommended vaccines, helped to prevent an estimated 170 million cases and 1 million deaths in 2024, according to WHO’s annual World malaria report.
Expanding Access to Key Prevention Tools
WHO-recommended tools are increasingly being integrated into broader health systems. Since WHO approved the world’s first malaria vaccines in 2021, 24 countries have introduced the vaccines into their routine immunization programmes. This represents a significant step forward in proactive malaria prevention, particularly for children in high-risk areas. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention has also been expanded and is now being implemented in 20 countries, reaching 54 million children in 2024 – a dramatic increase from approximately 0.2 million in 2012.
The Impact of Dual-Ingredient Insecticide-Treated Nets
Conventional insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been a cornerstone of malaria prevention for decades. However, increasing insecticide resistance in mosquitoes has diminished their effectiveness.Dual-ingredient nets, combining two different insecticides, offer a solution to this challenge. By targeting mosquitoes with multiple modes of action,these nets overcome resistance and provide more robust protection. The increased deployment of these nets is a key factor in the reduction of malaria cases observed in 2024.
Progress Towards Malaria Elimination
Progress is also being made in eliminating malaria altogether. To date, a total of 47 countries and 1 territory have been certified malaria-free by WHO – Cabo Verde and Egypt were certified malaria-free in 2024, and Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste joined them in 2025. this demonstrates that sustained investment and targeted interventions can led to the complete eradication of malaria in specific regions.
remaining Challenges
Despite this significant progress, there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases globally in 2024. the World malaria report highlights that the pace of progress is slowing, and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted malaria control efforts in many countries. Factors like climate change, conflict, and limited access to healthcare continue to pose significant challenges to malaria elimination.
Key Takeaways
- An estimated 170 million malaria cases and 1 million deaths were prevented in 2024 due to expanded use of new tools.
- 24 countries have integrated WHO-approved malaria vaccines into routine immunization programs.
- Seasonal malaria chemoprevention now reaches 54 million children annually.
- 47 countries and 1 territory have been certified malaria-free by WHO.
- Progress is slowing, and challenges remain, including insecticide resistance and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gains made in 2024 demonstrate the power of innovation and sustained investment in malaria control. Tho, continued vigilance and adaptation are crucial to overcome remaining challenges and accelerate progress towards a malaria-free world. Future efforts will need to focus on addressing insecticide resistance,strengthening health systems,and ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment tools.