World Malaria Day

This year, the WHO and partners will mark World malaria Day, celebrating the achievements of countries that are coming and reaching the eradication of malaria. It provides inspiration to all countries working to eradicate this deadly disease and to improve the health and livelihood of their populations.

Despite the CHALLENGES of pandemic COVID-19, many of these countries reported zero malaria cases in 2020, while others made spectacular progress on their way to becoming free of malaria.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can be prevented and cured.

Around 2019, there were 229 million cases of malaria worldwide.

The estimated number of malaria-related deaths in 2019 was 409 000.

Children under 5 are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria; in 2019, they led to 67% (274 000) of all cases of malaria worldwide.

The WHO African region has a disproportionately large share of the global burden of malaria. Total funding for malaria control and disposal is estimated to reach $3 billion in 2019. Governments in endemic countries contributed $900 million, representing 31% of total funding.