Malaria deaths, cases surged in 2024 with gains at stake - Report
## Malaria Mortality and Case Numbers in 2024
Malaria Mortality and Case Numbers in 2024
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria was responsible for approximately 610,000 deaths in 2024. The majority of these fatalities occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with children being the most affected demographic.
The WHO's annual malaria report indicates an increase in malaria cases from 273 million to an estimated 282 million.
Contributing Factors and Recent Trends
The WHO attributes the rise in cases to several factors, including increased drug resistance, climate change, and reductions in funding. These factors pose a threat to the progress made in combating malaria since the early 2000s. Notably, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Yemen have experienced significant surges in malaria cases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria was responsible for approximately 610,000 deaths in 2024.
Parasite Resistance and Drug Development
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. The ongoing medical challenge involves developing new drugs as the parasite evolves to resist existing treatments. In the early 2000s, widespread resistance to chloroquine contributed to high mortality rates, with more than 1.8 million deaths annually. The introduction of artemisinin-based compounds led to a notable decline in global malaria fatalities, and these compounds remain the primary treatment option today.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
