Malaria Deaths Rose in 2024, Funding Cuts Risk Surge, WHO Says

Malaria deaths rose to about 610,000 in 2024, largely among young children in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting stalled progress after gains in the early 2000s. WHO reported increases in both cases and mortality, with notable jumps in Ethiopia, Madagascar and Yemen, and warned that rising drug and insecticide resistance, climate change and conflict are complicating control efforts.

Case incidence has grown even after adjusting for population, and mortality declines have been modest. Chronic underfunding remains a major barrier, with 2024 investments less than half of what is recommended, a gap that risks fueling resurgence. WHO emphasized that effective new tools can save lives only when they reach those most at risk. Read more from Reuters here.