The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2023 World Malaria Report revealed a concerning surge in malaria cases, marking an increase from 223 million to 249 million cases within three years. Various factors such as drug resistance, climate change, and humanitarian crises were attributed to this rise, which was exacerbated by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme, expressed concern regarding the deviation from key global targets for reducing malaria cases and fatalities. Highlighting the urgency, Ngamije emphasized the need for increased funding, political commitment, and universal health coverage to save lives.
Climate change emerged as a significant threat, altering environments favoring the breeding and survival of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Rising temperatures, humidity, and rainfall, coupled with extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods, were identified as catalysts for increased transmission. The report cited the 2022 floods in Pakistan, resulting in a five-fold rise in malaria cases.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted malaria services, leading to a surge in cases and fatalities. Similarly, natural disasters impeded access to vital malaria services and disrupted the supply chain of crucial resources like insecticide-treated nets, medicines, and vaccines.
Globally, malaria cases rose by five million in 2022 compared to the previous year, with Pakistan experiencing a significant surge from 500,000 to 2.6 million cases. Ethiopia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda also witnessed a rise in cases.
Ngamije stressed the strategic use of data, advocating tailored interventions based on local contexts for maximum impact. He urged innovation for more efficient and affordable tools, emphasizing the need for accelerated product development while ensuring safety and quality. Urgent global action on climate change was also emphasized.
Despite these challenges, rates stabilized in 11 countries with the highest case rates after an initial surge in 2020. Through WHO’s “High burden to high impact” program, these countries reported an estimated 167 million malaria cases and 426,000 deaths in 2022.
The rollout of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in Africa exhibited a 13% reduction in early childhood deaths in areas where the vaccine, nets, insecticides, and other child health interventions were implemented.
In a positive stride, WHO endorsed a second safe and effective malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, in October 2023. The availability of two vaccines is anticipated to bolster supply, facilitating widespread deployment across Africa.
Moreover, successful efforts toward malaria elimination were evident in some countries. In 2022, 34 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases, with Azerbaijan, Belize, and Tajikistan certified as malaria-free. Several other nations are on track to eliminate the disease in the near future.