London: Global malaria deaths increased in 2024 and health experts warn the situation could worsen if funding continues to fall short. The World Health Organization reported that malaria killed around 610000 people last year. This is slightly higher than the previous year and shows progress against the disease has slowed.
Malaria cases also increased. An estimated 282 million people were infected in 2024 which is about nine million more than the year before. The rise was most visible in countries like Ethiopia Madagascar and Yemen where health systems face strain from conflict climate pressures and weak infrastructure.
According to the report almost all deaths occurred in Africa and most victims were young children. Public health experts say malaria remains one of the biggest threats to childrenâs lives in low income regions.
One of the key concerns highlighted in the report is declining financial support. Global funding for malaria control was around 3.9 billion dollars in 2024 which is less than half of what the WHO says is needed to protect vulnerable communities and maintain prevention programs.
Experts also warned that mosquito resistance to insecticides and growing resistance to malaria drugs are making it harder to control the disease. Changing climate patterns including flooding and warmer temperatures are expanding mosquito habitats making more areas vulnerable.
The WHO said the world has effective tools including bed nets treatments and new vaccines but these will only save lives if they reach people in time. Health officials called for renewed commitment from governments and donors to prevent a larger surge in infections and deaths in the coming years.