World Malaria Report 2024

Current Context : Recently, World Malaria Report 2024 released by World Health Organization (WHO.)

Global Findings:

• Malaria Cases: Increased to 263 million in 2023, with an incidence of 4 per 1,000 population at risk, up from 58.6 in 2022.
• African Region: Contributed 94% of global malaria cases, highlighting the disproportionate impact​

India’s Progress:

• Decline in Cases: Reduced by 69%, from 4 million (2017)to 2 million (2023).
• Decline in Deaths: Decreased by 68%, from 11,100 (2017)to 3,500 (2023).
• HBHI Exit: In 2024, India exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI)group, marking significant progress in malaria control​

About Malaria:

• Cause: Life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted via female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Key Species: Five species, with  falciparum and P. vivax posing the greatest threat.
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, and fatigue.
• Geography: Common in tropical regions​
• Vaccines: RTS,S/AS01: WHO’s first approved malaria vaccine (2021).
  • R21/Matrix-M: Second WHO-approved vaccine (2023), enhancing global prevention efforts​

Government Initiatives:

• WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016–2030): A framework for malaria-endemic countries, updated in 2021.

India’s National Strategic Plan (2023-27): Focuses on malaria elimination through integrated vector control, early detection, and treatment.​