WHO EMRO | Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine
On World Malaria Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners launched a new campaign titled “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” This initiative aims to revitalize global and community efforts to eliminate malaria, a disease that continues to pose a significant public health threat. Recent statistics reveal a troubling increase in malaria cases worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for renewed action and innovative strategies to combat this persistent challenge.
Global Malaria Statistics and Trends
Malaria remains a critical health issue across the globe. In 2023, approximately 263 million new cases were reported in 83 countries, marking an increase from 252 million cases in 2022 and a significant rise from 226 million cases in 2015. Despite these alarming figures, malaria control initiatives have yielded positive results since the year 2000, preventing an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths worldwide. In 2023 alone, these efforts averted over 177 million cases and 1 million deaths, with the majority of these cases occurring in Africaโ80% of cases and 94% of deaths.
The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region has experienced a dramatic surge in malaria cases, with an estimated 10.2 million cases reported in 2023, a staggering 137% increase since 2015. This rise has been exacerbated by catastrophic floods in Pakistan, which contributed to an additional 3.7 million cases between 2021 and 2023. Ongoing conflicts in countries like Sudan and Yemen have further complicated malaria control efforts, with Sudan reporting over 3.4 million cases and 7,900 deaths in 2023. However, these numbers may be underreported due to the ongoing conflict and communication breakdowns in the region.
Innovative Approaches to Malaria Control
In response to the growing challenges posed by malaria, including emerging resistance to antimalarial drugs and the impact of climate change, innovative strategies are essential for progress. While the region is currently off track in meeting the 2025 and 2030 global targets for malaria reduction, some countries have made notable advancements. For instance, Egypt was certified malaria-free by the WHO in October 2024, becoming the third country in the region to achieve this milestone, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
Sudan has also taken significant steps in combating malaria. In November 2024, the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, launched a malaria vaccination program targeting children aged 5 to 12 months in high-burden areas. The initial phase aims to reach 148,000 children, with plans to expand coverage to 1.3 million children by the end of 2026. Additionally, Djibouti has adopted a novel approach by piloting the release of genetically modified Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes to combat malaria transmission.
Regional Collaboration and Future Goals
Efforts to eliminate malaria in the Eastern Mediterranean Region involve enhanced regional coordination and data sharing. A joint project with the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) is underway to assess the risk of malaria re-introduction in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through the Horn of Africa Network for Monitoring Antimalarial Treatment (HANMAT), member states are addressing biological threats such as drug resistance and the spread of invasive malaria vectors.
WHO emphasizes the importance of collaboration among governments, donors, and the private sector to increase funding for malaria elimination programs. The organization advocates for the full replenishment of the Global Fund and Gavi, as well as boosting domestic financing in endemic countries. Proven interventions, including insecticide-treated bed nets and vaccines, are crucial for building robust health systems, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The Call to Action
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, stresses that malaria is both preventable and treatable. She highlights the need for a collective effort to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against malaria. To accelerate progress, WHO is calling for a “Big Push to End Malaria,” which includes six priority actions aimed at improving coordination, strengthening data systems, and increasing funding for malaria initiatives. The goal is to create a healthier, more equitable future for all, with a vision of a malaria-free world within reach.
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