The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 610,000 malaria deaths occurred globally in 2024. Africa accounted for 95% of deaths (579,000) and 95% of cases (265m). Most deaths were among children under five.
Meanwhile, development assistance for health in Africa fell by about 70% from 2021 to 2025, forcing countries to make hard choices on prevention, staffing, and procurement.
African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) warned that the resurgence of malaria could wipe $83bn off sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by 2030, alongside major increases in cases and deaths.
To address the problem, vaccines improved diagnostics, better nets and digital surveillance need to be integrated into national systems.