Malaria
95% of the world's malaria deaths occur in Africa. 265 million cases and 579,000 deaths in 2024 — with children under five accounting for 75% of fatalities.
↑ Cases rising → Deaths near-flat
Burden
In 2024, the WHO African Region was home to 95% of malaria cases (265 million) and 95% (579,000) of malaria deaths globally. Children under five account for approximately 75% of regional deaths.
Geographic Concentration
Nigeria alone accounts for 31.9% of regional deaths, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 11.7%, and Niger 6.1%. Eleven high-burden countries account for two-thirds of global cases. Cabo Verde (2024) and Egypt (2024) were certified malaria-free.
Trend
Incidence is rising slightly — cases increased by 9 million between 2023 and 2024. Since 2000, intervention has averted 2.3 billion cases and 14 million deaths globally.
Drivers and Risk Factors
- Climate change extending vector range
- Spread of Anopheles stephensi to nine African countries (urban malaria)
- Partial artemisinin resistance now confirmed or suspected in at least eight African countries
- Loss of the pfhrp2 gene undermining rapid diagnostic tests
- A funding gap of $5.4 billion (42% of need)
- ODA fell approximately 21%
Response and Gaps
17 African countries now deliver the R21/Matrix-M or RTS,S malaria vaccine through childhood immunisation. 195 million next-generation ITNs were distributed in 2023; 53 million children received seasonal malaria chemoprevention.
“In 2024, the WHO African Region was home to 95% of malaria cases (265 million) and 95% (579,000) of malaria deaths.”WHO, World Malaria Report 2025
“Nigeria accounts for 31.9% of all malaria deaths in the African Region.”WHO, 2025