LONDON – The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report indicating a concerning uptick in malaria cases for 2023, with an estimated 263 million cases, an increase of approximately 11 million from the previous year. This surge marks another year of negligible progress in combating this ancient scourge.
The report also highlighted the tragic toll of the disease, noting around 597,000 deaths, comparable to the figures from 2022. The majority of these fatalities—about 95%—were among African children under five years old. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “No-one should die of malaria; yet the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region, especially young children and pregnant women.”
Progress against malaria had been significant from 2000 to 2015, with both cases and deaths decreasing dramatically. However, in recent years, these gains have not only stalled but have seen a reversal, particularly during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report notes that in 2015, there were 58 cases per 1,000 people at risk, which rose to 60.4 in 2023, nearly triple the WHO’s target. Similarly, the death rate per 100,000 at-risk individuals was 13.7, more than double the desired target.
Despite the availability of new tools like two vaccines and advanced bed nets, the response to malaria is being challenged by a confluence of factors including climate change, ongoing conflicts leading to displacement, resistance to drugs and insecticides, and insufficient funding. In 2023, while $4 billion was allocated to combat malaria, the WHO estimates that $8.3 billion is needed to make a significant impact.
This development underscores the urgent need for increased global health investment and innovative strategies to protect the most vulnerable populations from this deadly disease.
Key Points:
- Increased Malaria Cases: The WHO reports an increase of about 11 million malaria cases in 2023, reaching an estimated total of 263 million.
- High Mortality in Africa: Despite the case numbers, deaths remained steady at around 597,000, with the majority being African children under 5 years old.
- Stalled Progress: Since 2015, progress in reducing malaria has stagnated, with a particular increase during the COVID-19 period.
- Epidemiological Metrics: The incidence rate rose from 58 cases per 1,000 at-risk people in 2015 to 60.4 in 2023, exceeding WHO targets significantly. The death rate was also above the target at 13.7 per 100,000 at-risk individuals.
- Challenges to Control: Climate change, conflict, drug and insecticide resistance, and funding shortages are hampering malaria control efforts despite new tools like vaccines and next-generation bed nets.
- Funding Gap: Only $4 billion was available in 2023 against an estimated need of $8.3 billion to effectively combat malaria.
