The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the sum of US$45 billion will be needed between 2026 and 2030 to meet global malaria targets.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, stated this Thursday in his message to commemorate World Malaria Day in Abuja.
The theme of this year’s World Malaria Day is “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.” This is both a message of hope and an urgent call to action.
Dr Janabi noted that across the African region, countries are showing stronger leadership, increasing domestic investment and using innovation to protect those most at risk.
He said: “The malaria response is entering a new phase shaped by country ownership, smarter data use, stronger community engagement and transformative new tools. Elimination is no longer a distant aspiration. It is an achievable goal if we act decisively.
“Africa Region still carries the world’s heaviest malaria burden. In 2024 alone, nearly 600,000 lives were lost in Africa. Three-quarters of those deaths were among young children. These preventable deaths remind us why progress cannot wait.”
He added that more than ten countries have increased domestic financing for malaria programmes since January 2025 and twenty-five countries are rolling out malaria vaccines and helping to protect around 10 million children each year.
He pointed out that mosquito nets designed to overcome insecticide resistance now account for the vast majority of newly distributed nets.
He stated that: “Digital technologies are improving our ability to predict, detect and respond to outbreaks and new vector control innovations are expanding our toolbox.
“Progress is not guaranteed. Funding gaps continue to slow the response and that is why we need more funds to tackle eliminating Malaria in the Africa region.
“Insecticide resistance is widespread. Drug resistance is emerging in some settings.
“Climate variability is changing transmission patterns. And humanitarian crises and displacement are increasing vulnerability.”