The alert followed the release of the 2025 African Union Malaria Progress Report, presented by Duma Boko, chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance. The report painted a sobering picture: stalled progress, declining international support, and escalating threats to malaria control across the continent.
According to the report, African Union member states recorded 270.8 million malaria cases in 2024—accounting for 96% of global cases—and 594,119 deaths, representing 97% of global malaria fatalities. Despite years of intervention campaigns, progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality has largely plateaued since 2015. Only five countries have met the 2025 targets set under the African Union Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Eliminate Malaria by 2030.
Leaders warned that a further 30% reduction in malaria funding could have devastating consequences. Projections indicate it could result in an additional 146 million malaria cases and nearly 400,000 deaths—most of them children under five—by 2030. The economic fallout would also be severe, potentially erasing $37 billion in GDP across Africa over the same period.
Boko emphasized the urgency of the situation: “The perfect storm of converging crises threatening malaria elimination has intensified. Official Development Assistance for health in Africa has declined sharply, and key global funding targets have not been met. We cannot allow these challenges to reverse decades of progress that have prevented over 1.6 billion cases and saved more than 12 million lives since 2000.”
To counter the threat, African leaders called for a shift toward sustainable financing, stressing domestic resource mobilization and innovative funding mechanisms. Public-private partnerships were highlighted as a key driver, with malaria-focused national funds in 12 countries collectively raising over $200 million. Leaders also urged global partners, including the World Bank, to reinvigorate critical programmes such as the Malaria Booster Programme, which had previously committed more than $1 billion between 2005 and 2010.
Beyond funding, the report highlighted promising advances in malaria prevention and treatment. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania pointed to African-led research as a source of optimism, citing institutions like the Ifakara Health Institute for developing solutions tailored to local contexts. “This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge,” Hassan said.
New tools are being deployed at scale. In 2025, 74% of insecticide-treated nets distributed were next-generation models more effective against resistant mosquitoes. Vaccine coverage is also expanding: 24 countries introduced malaria vaccines, administering over 28 million doses—nearly triple the 2024 figure.
The report underscored the importance of local production for health sovereignty. Countries such as Nigeria are increasing domestic manufacturing of antimalarial medicines and diagnostic tools, aiming to reduce dependence on imports. Currently, Africa imports approximately 99% of its vaccines and 95% of its medicines. The newly ratified African Medicines Agency, now supported by 31 countries, is expected to streamline regulatory processes and improve access to essential health products.
Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, highlighted the potential benefits of sustained investment. “Full deployment of existing and new tools, combined with adequate funding, could save over 13 million lives over the next 15 years and boost African economies by more than $140 billion. We have the tools. We need the resources.”
Leaders called on African governments to prioritize malaria as a key component of economic development and health security, while urging international donors to honor their commitments. Malaria continues to disproportionately affect children under five and pregnant women, remaining one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.
The African Union Malaria Progress Report, published annually, tracks performance against continent-wide elimination targets and informs policy decisions. With the 2030 elimination target approaching, leaders warned that the coming years are critical for sustaining momentum or risk a resurgence of one of Africa’s oldest public health threats.