Global Malaria Burden Persists : Over 263 Million Cases and 597,000 Deaths in 2023
A World Health Organization (WHO) report released Wednesday revealed that malaria remains a critical global health issue, with 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths recorded worldwide in 2023. While fatalities remained stable compared to 2022, the number of cases increased by 11 million. The WHO African Region bore the brunt of the disease, accounting for 95% of the deaths, underscoring the urgent need for access to prevention, detection, and treatment services in the region.
Since 2000, global efforts have averted an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths, yet progress has slowed. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the disparity in impact, particularly among young children and pregnant women in Africa, emphasizing the need for increased investment and action in high-burden areas. Despite advancements such as lifesaving tools and certifications of malaria-free status for 44 countries, the mortality rate in Africa remains more than double the target set by WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030.
Earlier this year, 11 African countries accounting for two-thirds of the global malaria burden signed a declaration pledging to strengthen health systems and tackle the root causes of the disease. However, the funding gap remains a significant challenge. In 2023, global funding for malaria control reached $4 billion, far below the $8.3 billion annual target set by WHO, threatening to stall progress against this preventable and treatable disease.
