“Nigeria has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and the second in the world,” she was quoted by Sahara Reporters .

She explained that around 600,000 Nigerian children are already suffering from acute malnutrition and that half of them are at risk of becoming severely malnourished.

According to UNICEF, children in this condition are up to 11 times more likely to die than healthy children.

The World Food Programme also voiced concern, warning that Nigeria has the highest number of people facing food insecurity on the continent.

The warning comes as aid agencies prepare for the 2025 lean season in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, regions still struggling with conflict and poverty.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it urgently needs $300 million to respond to the crisis.

Trond Jensen, who leads OCHA in Nigeria, said more than half that amount is needed just to provide food, healthcare, clean water, and shelter.

He warned that funding delays and cuts are already affecting efforts.

OCHA has already reduced its response plan from four million people to two million because of a $58 million funding shortfall.

Donor support has declined, with a freeze on US funding and cuts from other partners forcing aid groups to scale back.

Agencies are now calling on governments and international donors to act quickly to stop the crisis from deepening.

While the disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medical treatment, the number of people dying from the same is startling. Nearly 600,000 persons died from Malaria globally according to 2023 WHO statistics, with 263 million malaria cases recorded.

Out of this number, 246 million, representing 94% and 569,000 representing 95% respectively were recorded in the WHO African Region.

Children under 5 suffered the most, with about 76% of deaths coming from that category in the region. In this article, we put together a list of countries with some of the highest malaria mortality rates:

1. Nigeria

Nigeria can be said to be leading the malaria burden globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all malaria deaths worldwide. In 2022, the country reported nearly 200,000 malaria-related deaths. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected groups, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% among children aged 6-59 months as of 2021, according to the WHO .

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

As a result of its tropical regions and other major challenges in DRC's healthcare infrastructure, high incidence and mortality rates associated with malaria are consistently recorded in the country. ​The country currently accounts for approximately 12% of global malaria deaths.

3. Niger

Malaria is a leading cause of death in Niger, representing approximately 6% of global malaria deaths. The country's predominantly rural population and limited access to healthcare services make malaria a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. ​

4. Tanzania

Approximately 4% of Tanzanians die globally from malaria deaths, according to the World Health Organisation. Despite ongoing control efforts, malaria remains a major public health issue, particularly affecting children under five years old.

5. Mozambique

Mozambique contributes to approximately 4.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's climate and environmental conditions promote malaria transmission, leading to significant health impacts. 

6. Uganda

Uganda has relatively higher numbers compared to other African countries as far as number of global malaria deaths are concerned. With an estimated 5.1% of global malaria deaths , malaria is endemic across the country, with high transmission rates posing substantial health risks to the population.

7. Angola

Angola represents approximately 3.4% of global malaria deaths. Many, particularly pregnant women and children die from malaria in this part of Africa, according to statistics available to the World Health Organisation.

8. Burkina Faso  

Burkina Faso contributes to about 3.2% of global malaria deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, the high transmission rates are a significant public health concern, especially in rural areas. ​

9. Mali

Mali accounts for approximately 3.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's malaria situation poses ongoing challenges to public health efforts. ​

10. Cameroon

Cameroon represents about 2.6% of global malaria deaths. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with children under five being the most vulnerable.

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