Africa Newsroom — The specter of malaria looms larger than ever in 2024, as a new report reveals a stark surge in both cases and fatalities. This resurgence, predominantly affecting sub-Saharan Africa, threatens the hard-won progress made in combating the disease over the past decade.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the number of malaria cases in 2024 reached a staggering 282 million, with 610,000 deaths recorded. This marks a concerning increase of approximately 9 million cases compared to the previous year. The African Region bears the brunt of this crisis, accounting for 95% of all malaria cases and 579,000 deaths.
Children under the age of 5 are the most vulnerable, accounting for about 75% of all malaria-related deaths in the African Region. The report highlights Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Niger as the countries with the highest burden, with over half of all malaria deaths occurring in these nations.
The rise in malaria cases and deaths can be attributed to several factors. Resistance to both antimalarial drugs and insecticides used in bed nets is on the rise, diminishing the effectiveness of key tools in the fight against the disease. Additionally, climate change is expanding the geographic range and seasonality of malaria transmission, exacerbating the problem.
Conflict and instability in many African countries have disrupted prevention campaigns and treatment delivery, further contributing to the surge. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role, as disruptions in healthcare systems and reduced funding for malaria control efforts have led to a sharp increase in cases.
Despite the progress made in certifying 47 countries and territories as malaria-free, the report warns that the total investment in malaria control in 2024 was only $3.9 billion, far short of the $9 billion target. Cuts to international aid could lead to a resurgence of the disease, underscoring the critical need for increased funding and support.
Experts are calling for a renewed focus on malaria prevention and control strategies, including the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, indoor residual spraying, and the deployment of new antimalarial drugs. They also emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis, such as drug resistance, climate change, and conflict.
As the African Region grapples with this alarming resurgence of malaria, it is clear that the fight against this ancient disease is far from over. The stakes are high, and the need for urgent action is more pressing than ever. The world must come together to support African countries in their efforts to combat malaria and protect the lives of millions of vulnerable people.
Source: Africa
Additional reporting by ImNews
