The World Health Organization has called for urgent and sustained action in the fight against malaria, warning that 610,000 people died from the disease globally in 2024.

The warning comes as the world marks World Malaria Day under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.” According to the World Malaria Report 2025, an estimated 282 million cases were recorded in 2024, reflecting a slowdown in progress despite gains made over the past two decades.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said advances in science and innovation are providing new tools to combat the disease, even as challenges persist.

“In 2024, there were an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths—a slight increase from 2023, “read the WHO statement dated April 25, 2026, in part.

Global progress and emerging threats

The report shows that 2.3 billion cases and 14 million deaths have been averted since 2000. Forty-seven countries have been certified malaria-free, including two in 2024 and three in 2025, while 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases in 2024.

New vaccines are being rolled out in 25 countries, targeting millions of children annually. In Africa, next-generation mosquito nets incorporating piperonyl butoxide or dual active ingredients accounted for 84 per cent of all distributed nets in 2024, up from 10 per cent in 2019.

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention reached 54 million children, while improved access to artemisinin-based combination therapies increased treatment coverage.

However, resistance to treatment and prevention methods is increasing. Artemisinin partial resistance has been confirmed in four African countries, while insecticide resistance to pyrethroids is widespread. Diagnostic challenges linked to pfhrp2 gene deletions have been reported in 46 endemic countries, and the spread of the invasive anopheles stephensi mosquito in urban Africa is raising concern.

Funding gap and health system pressures

WHO noted that global funding for malaria control remains below required levels. In 2024, Ksh 507 billion was available against a target of Ksh 1.21 trillion, leaving a gap of Ksh 702 billion.

The agency said climate change, conflict, and reductions in global health funding are affecting service delivery in several regions. These factors have disrupted prevention campaigns, treatment access, and surveillance systems.

In Kenya, malaria control efforts continue to rely on partnerships with international agencies, including support from programmes such as the President’s Malaria Initiative.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the country is working to sustain progress while reducing reliance on external support.

“I underscored the need to safeguard these gains while embracing the next phase under the America First Global Health Strategy, with a focus on sustainability, country ownership and reduced donor dependency,” Duale posted on X.

National and global response

Kenya has outlined priorities that include strengthening local manufacturing, expanding technology transfer, and increasing domestic resource mobilisation to support malaria control programmes.

William Ruto has also called for reforms in global systems to better support Africa’s health and development priorities.

WHO said emerging tools such as vaccines, long-acting injectables, and genetically modified mosquitoes could support future control efforts. It emphasised the need for coordinated global action to sustain gains and address existing gaps.

The agency urged governments, partners, and stakeholders to maintain momentum in prevention, treatment, and research efforts as part of broader strategies to reduce malaria-related illness and deaths.