Malaria Progress Stalls: African Health Ministers Call for Action
- Progress against malaria in the African region has significantly slowed down.
- The Global Technical Strategy, adopted in 2015, aims to reduce global malaria incidence and mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030.This aspiring goal requires sustained commitment and...
- Despite the recent slowdown, ample progress has been made in malaria control over the past two decades.
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Progress and Challenges in Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa
Table of Contents
The Slowdown in Progress
Progress against malaria in the African region has significantly slowed down. As 2015, cases have declined by only 5%, and mortality rates have fallen by 16%, falling far short of the 75% reduction target set for 2025. Without intensified efforts, the region risks failing to meet the 2030 targets outlined in the Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016-2030.
The Global Technical Strategy, adopted in 2015, aims to reduce global malaria incidence and mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030.This aspiring goal requires sustained commitment and innovative approaches to overcome emerging challenges.
Notable Gains Averted Millions of Cases and deaths
Despite the recent slowdown, ample progress has been made in malaria control over the past two decades. Scaled-up malaria control efforts have averted approximately 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths.
increased Coverage of Control Measures
Coverage of key malaria control measures has increased in recent years:
- Insecticide-treated net (ITN) use rose from 46% in 2021 to 59% in 2023.
- Access to seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) increased dramatically,from 200,000 children in 2012 to 53 million in 2023 across 18 countries.
- By July 2025, nearly 6 million children are projected to have received malaria vaccines in 20 countries. The World health Organization (WHO) recommended a second malaria vaccine, R21/matrix-M, in October 2023, bolstering efforts to protect children.
Progress Towards elimination
Malaria elimination efforts are also yielding results.Since 2015,Algeria (certified in 2019) and Cabo Verde (certified in 2024) have been certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization.
Rwanda is on track to meet its 2025 target for reducing malaria case incidence, while Sao Tome and Principe is progressing towards lowering mortality rates. These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of tailored,data-driven strategies.
Challenges and Future Directions
Weak health systems, characterized by poor access to quality health services and delays in treatment, remain a significant obstacle. Conflicts and natural disasters further exacerbate the challenges, disrupting control efforts and increasing vulnerability to malaria.
Sustained commitment from governments, partners, civil society, and communities is crucial to ending malaria.Continued investment in research and advancement, innovative vector control strategies, and improved access to diagnostics and treatment are essential.