Why Africa’s malaria fight is stalling despite new vaccines and tools
Key Takeaways
- Africa accounts for 96% of global malaria cases and 97% of deaths, according to the Africa Malaria Progress Report 2025.
- In 2024, the continent recorded 270.8 million cases and 594,119 deaths, reflecting only modest changes compared to previous years.
- Progress toward elimination has largely stalled, with gains plateauing since 2015.
- Only five African countries are currently on track to meet the 2025 malaria reduction targets.
- Malaria vaccines have been rolled out in 24 African countries, alongside expanded use of dual active-ingredient insecticide-treated nets.
Africa remains the epicentre of the global malaria burden, accounting for 96% of cases and 97% of deaths worldwide, according to the Africa Malaria Progress Report 2025. Yet despite the introduction of new vaccines, improved mosquito nets and expanded treatment efforts, progress toward elimination has largely stalled.
The report shows that in 2024, Africa recorded 270.8 million malaria cases and 594,119 deaths. These figures reflect only modest changes compared to previous years, highlighting a plateau in gains made since 2015.
Under global and continental targets, countries are expected to significantly reduce malaria incidence and mortality by 2025. However, the report notes that only five African countries are currently on track to meet the 2025 reduction targets.
The stagnation comes despite the rollout of malaria vaccines in 24 African countries and the scale-up of dual active-ingredient insecticide-treated nets, which are designed to combat insecticide resistance. While these tools represent scientific progress, the data suggest they have not yet translated into large-scale reductions in cases and deaths.
The report warns that Africa’s fight against malaria is facing multiple structural pressures. These include funding shortfalls, population growth, climate-related disruptions, and biological threats such as drug and insecticide resistance.
A significant concern highlighted in the report is the decline in external financing. Official Development Assistance for malaria has fallen, and replenishment targets for major global funding mechanisms have not been fully met. The report cautions that sustained funding gaps could reverse hard-won gains.
Climate variability is also contributing to malaria transmission patterns. Flooding and changing rainfall patterns have expanded mosquito breeding conditions in some regions. At the same time, rapid population growth increases the number of people at risk and raises the cost of maintaining prevention coverage.
Drug resistance remains another emerging threat. Partial resistance to frontline treatments has been detected in parts of Africa, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of existing therapies.
The report makes clear that while new technologies are critical, they are not sufficient on their own. Without stable financing, strong health systems, climate resilience planning and sustained political commitment, Africa risks missing its 2030 malaria elimination targets.
For now, the data signals a warning: innovation alone will not end malaria. Progress depends on whether countries and partners can close funding gaps, strengthen accountability and scale interventions at a pace that matches the burden.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
