Did malaria claim over 6 lakh lives in 2024, with drug resistance posing a significant threat?
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Synopsis
The latest WHO report reveals alarming malaria statistics for 2024, highlighting the urgent threat of drug resistance and its impact on global health. With over 6 lakh lives lost, innovative prevention methods offer a glimmer of hope in the battle against this enduring disease.
Key Takeaways
- 282 million people affected by malaria in 2024.
- 610,000 fatalities reported worldwide.
- Drug resistance poses a serious threat to elimination efforts.
- 95% of deaths occurred in the African Region.
- WHO-approved vaccines prevented 170 million cases.
- India accounted for 73.3% of cases in the South-East Asia Region.
- 48 countries reported confirmed pyrethroid resistance.
- Challenges include extreme weather and funding cuts.
- A total of 47 countries certified malaria-free to date.
- New tools offer hope but significant challenges remain.
New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual World Malaria Report released on Thursday, malaria affected about 282 million individuals and resulted in 610,000 fatalities globally in 2024, underscoring drug resistance as a critical challenge to eradication initiatives.
The vaccines endorsed by WHO contributed to preventing approximately 170 million cases and one million deaths in 2024, marking an increase of around 9 million cases compared to the previous year.
Approximately 95 percent of these deaths occurred in the African Region, significantly affecting children under the age of 5.
Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, India represented 73.3 percent of all reported cases and 88.7 percent of the deaths.
The report indicated that the goal of reducing malaria deaths, a vital aspect of the Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016-2030, is still far from being achieved.
Antimalarial drug resistance has been confirmed or is suspected in at least 8 African countries, with concerns over the diminishing effectiveness of artemisinin-combined drugs.
Additional obstacles to malaria eradication include the presence of malaria parasites exhibiting pfhrp2 gene deletions, which compromise the reliability of rapid diagnostic tests, and confirmed pyrethroid resistance in 48 countries that is diminishing the efficacy of insecticide-treated nets.
Moreover, the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, resistant to various commonly used insecticides, have now spread to 9 African nations, complicating urban malaria control efforts.
On a positive note, progress continues in the fight against malaria. A total of 47 countries and one territory have been recognized as malaria-free by WHO. Cabo Verde and Egypt received their malaria-free certification in 2024, while Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste are expected to join them in 2025.
The report observed that WHO authorized the world’s first malaria vaccines in 2021, and currently, 24 countries have integrated these vaccines into their routine immunization programs.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, remarked, “New tools for malaria prevention offer us renewed hope, but we continue to confront substantial challenges.”
He added, “The rising numbers of cases and deaths, the escalating threat of drug resistance, and the impact of funding reductions jeopardize the progress we have accomplished over the last twenty years.”
The report also highlighted risks such as extreme weather conditions—shifts in temperature and rainfall—leading to increased malaria outbreaks, as well as conflicts that hinder access to care.
Moreover, the stagnation of global funding over the past decade has restricted the reach of life-saving interventions.
“Nevertheless, none of these challenges are insurmountable. With the leadership of the most affected nations and strategic investments, the vision of a malaria-free world remains attainable,” stated the WHO chief.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial to highlight the grave implications of the WHO's latest report on malaria. The stark statistics reveal the urgent need for renewed focus and funding to combat this preventable disease, especially in regions disproportionately affected. A unified global response is essential to tackle the escalating threat posed by drug resistance and ensure access to life-saving interventions.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of the WHO's World Malaria Report for 2024?
The report indicates that malaria affected approximately 282 million people and resulted in 610,000 deaths globally in 2024, with drug resistance being a major challenge.
Which region experienced the highest malaria death rates?
The African Region accounted for about 95 percent of malaria deaths, with a significant number occurring among children under five.
What measures are being taken to combat malaria?
The WHO-recommended vaccines helped prevent an estimated 170 million malaria cases and one million deaths in 2024, with 24 countries incorporating these vaccines into their immunization programs.
What are the significant challenges in malaria elimination?
Challenges include drug resistance, the presence of malaria parasites with pfhrp2 gene deletions, and the invasion of resistant mosquito species, which complicate control efforts.
How many countries have been certified as malaria-free?
To date, 47 countries and one territory have been certified as malaria-free by WHO.
