By Joke Kujenya
HARD-WON victories in the global fight against a centuries-old killer disease, malaria, are beginning to unravel, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO), to issue an urgent call to action on World Malaria Day 2025.
Malaria is clawing its way back in parts of the world where it had once been driven into retreat, the WHO alerts, adding that its message is unequivocal and stating, “progress is possible, but it is fragile—and the gains of the past two decades are under threat.”
Since the turn of the millennium, the health organ recalls that global efforts in malaria control have averted more than 2 billion infections and saved nearly 13 million lives.
In all, forty-five countries and one territory have achieved malaria-free certification, and a growing number are edging closer to elimination, reiterates the WHO.
Yet, in 2023 alone, the disease claimed nearly 600,000 lives, with Africa bearing the brunt of the burden.
Of the 83 countries where malaria remains endemic, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases last year—a testament to ongoing strides, but also a stark reminder of the uneven progress.
This year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” reflects the urgency.
Additionally, WHO says it is urging governments, donors, and communities to double down on efforts—politically, financially, and operationally—to prevent resurgence.
The body notes that history shows has informed that when malaria control is deprioritised, the disease rebounds.
That happened in the 1960s when global eradication efforts were abandoned. The result was catastrophic: decades of lost ground and millions of lives, it also recalled.
Today, the fight continues under mounting pressure. Climate change, drug and insecticide resistance, fragile health systems, conflict, poverty, and forced displacement are eroding decades of hard-won progress.
WHO also warns that looming funding cuts in 2025 could further weaken malaria services in many endemic regions given that over half of its 64 country offices recently surveyed reported moderate to severe service disruptions.
Despite these challenges, innovations offer a glimmer of hope.
Mali became the latest African nation to introduce the malaria vaccine this year, joining 19 others in a campaign that could save tens of thousands of children annually.
Insecticide-treated bed nets, now more effective against resistant mosquitoes, have seen wider deployment across sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly 80% of the nets distributed in 2023 used advanced formulations, a sharp increase from 59% the previous year.
The WHO discloses that it is also championing domestic investment in primary health care systems and calling for successful replenishments of major funding bodies such as the Global Fund and Gavi.
The recent Yaoundé Declaration, signed by health ministers from 11 high-burden African nations, reflects a continental commitment to end malaria by reinforcing national health strategies and improving accountability.
Yet, strategy alone is not enough. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, cautions that without relentless commitment, malaria will reclaim its hold, disproportionately harming the most vulnerable.
As the campaign slogan stresses, the battle is far from over: Malaria ends with us, adding that, without concerted actions, the world risks repeating a deadly cycle of complacency and resurgence.
The knowledge, tools, and partnerships exist—now the world must choose whether to act decisively or watch history repeat itself, WHO reiterates.
