As the world marks World Malaria Day, fresh data shows progress in the fight against malaria, but also highlights a worrying slowdown especially in Nigeria, which still carries the heaviest burden globally.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria caused an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024. Yet, global efforts have prevented about 2.3 billion cases and 14 million deaths since 2000, with 47 countries now certified malaria-free.
The number of malaria-endemic countries has dropped from 108 to 80 over the same period, while more nations are reporting lower case numbers, a sign that elimination is possible with sustained effort.
However, the gains are fragile. The WHO warns that drug and insecticide resistance, extreme weather events and declining funding are threatening progress, leaving vulnerable communities exposed.
Nigeria’s heavy burden
In Nigeria, malaria remains a major public health crisis, with about 97 per cent of the population at risk. The 2025 World Malaria Report shows the country accounts for 24.3 per cent of global cases and 30.3 per cent of deaths, the highest worldwide.
The country also contributed more than half of all malaria cases in West Africa in 2024, driven by its large population, environmental conditions and sanitation challenges that encourage mosquito breeding.
Economic losses are significant. Nigeria spends an estimated $1.1 billion yearly on malaria treatment, prevention and lost productivity, while international partners like the Global Fund continue to inject funding into control programmes.
Signs of progress
Despite the challenges, there are encouraging signs. Data from the Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey shows prevalence dropped sharply from 42 per cent in 2010 to 15 per cent in 2025.
Health authorities say this reflects improved awareness, prevention strategies and treatment access.
The government is also expanding malaria vaccination, targeting millions of children annually, while rolling out new interventions such as improved insecticide-treated nets and larval source management.
New strategy and targets
Nigeria is now pushing a new National Malaria Strategic Implementation Plan (2026–2030), aimed at cutting malaria prevalence and deaths by 50 per cent.
Officials say no state is currently classified as having high transmission at the state level, although localised hotspots remain. Lagos and Plateau are now considered low transmission states, while others fall within moderate levels.
Challenges slowing elimination
Experts warn that progress could stall without stronger action. Funding gaps, poverty, overcrowding and weak healthcare access continue to drive infections.
There are also behavioural challenges. Some communities misuse mosquito nets instead of sleeping under them, reducing the impact of prevention campaigns.
Additionally, resistance to common insecticides and the spread of new mosquito species across Africa are raising concerns among scientists.
Health experts stress that sustained investment, stronger healthcare systems and community participation are critical to ending malaria.
They also highlight the need for local production of medicines and mosquito nets to reduce dependence on imports and improve quality control.
Researchers are exploring new solutions, including synthetic drug development and advanced technologies to target malaria parasites more effectively.
While progress has been made, the message for World Malaria Day is clear: without urgent action, the goal of elimination could slip out of reach especially for countries like Nigeria that remain at the centre of the crisis.
