Malaria: $45bn Needed By 2030 To Meet Global Targets – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa has said that at least US$45 billion will be required between 2026 and 2030 to keep the world on track toward achieving global malaria targets, even as the African region continues to bear the heaviest burden of the disease.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, who stated that this year’s 2026 World Malaria Day message, issued on Wednesday, highlights both renewed hope and the urgency of coordinated global action, said this year’s theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” underscores the need for coordinated global action.

Janabi noted that despite decades of progress, malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, killing nearly 600,000 people in 2024, with young children accounting for three-quarters of the deaths.

“Malaria continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year, most of them young African children,” he said.

“Yet for the first time, we can say with confidence that we have the tools, commitment and knowledge to dramatically reduce illness and deaths and ultimately end malaria as a public health threat,” he said.

WHO said African countries are demonstrating stronger political leadership, investing more domestic resources and expanding the use of innovative technologies.

The organisation said more than 10 countries have increased domestic financing for malaria programmes since January 2025. Twenty-five countries are rolling out malaria vaccines, reaching about 10 million children annually. Widespread distribution of next-generation insecticide-resistant nets, adoption of digital technologies that strengthen surveillance and improve outbreak response, and introduction of new vector control innovations to tackle emerging challenges.

“Malaria elimination is now an achievable goal if we act decisively,” Janabi said.

Despite the gains, Janabi warned that progress is fragile, with multiple risks threatening to stall or reverse hard-won victories.

“At least US$45 billion will be needed between 2026 and 2030 to meet global malaria targets,” he said.

Janabi urged governments, partners, researchers and civil society to seize what he described as a “historic opportunity.”

“Let us act together so that the next generation of African children and pregnant women can live free from the scourge of malaria,” he said.

World Malaria Day is observed globally on 25 April to raise awareness and mobilise action against malaria.