On this year’s World Malaria Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong call to action, urging nations, organizations, and communities worldwide to renew their commitment to ending malaria once and for all. The theme for 2025, “Power to Eliminate: Act Now, Save Lives,” underscores the urgent need for coordinated global policies and grassroots involvement.
Despite decades of progress, malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, claiming over 600,000 lives annually — most of them children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease, which is entirely preventable and treatable, continues to thrive in regions with poor healthcare infrastructure, limited access to insecticide-treated nets, and inadequate public health funding.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “Malaria is both a medical and social justice issue. With the tools and knowledge we have today, no one should die from a mosquito bite. What we need now is collective will and sustained investment.”
The WHO emphasized the importance of community-based strategies in malaria-endemic areas, such as:
In addition, the organization called for increased investment in innovation, including next-generation insecticides, vaccines like RTS,S (Mosquirix), and gene-drive mosquito control technologies currently under development.
While some countries in Asia and Latin America have made notable progress in reducing malaria transmission, recent setbacks in Africa — including rising resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs — highlight the need for renewed urgency. Climate change is also expanding the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, threatening new populations.
The WHO’s 2025 Malaria Report reveals that without intensified action, global targets to reduce malaria incidence and mortality by 90% by 2030 will not be met.
World Malaria Day serves as a reminder that the fight against malaria is not just a health issue, but a matter of equity, development, and human rights. Governments, donors, scientists, and community leaders are all being urged to recommit to this critical goal.
“Ending malaria is possible,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “But only if we work together — with urgency, compassion, and determination.”
A Persistent Global Health Threat
Despite decades of progress, malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, claiming over 600,000 lives annually — most of them children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease, which is entirely preventable and treatable, continues to thrive in regions with poor healthcare infrastructure, limited access to insecticide-treated nets, and inadequate public health funding.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “Malaria is both a medical and social justice issue. With the tools and knowledge we have today, no one should die from a mosquito bite. What we need now is collective will and sustained investment.”
Focus on Innovation and Community Action
The WHO emphasized the importance of community-based strategies in malaria-endemic areas, such as:
- Expanding access to rapid diagnostic testing and antimalarial medicines
- Promoting use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying
- Strengthening local health systems for faster response and surveillance
In addition, the organization called for increased investment in innovation, including next-generation insecticides, vaccines like RTS,S (Mosquirix), and gene-drive mosquito control technologies currently under development.
Global Progress and Setbacks
While some countries in Asia and Latin America have made notable progress in reducing malaria transmission, recent setbacks in Africa — including rising resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs — highlight the need for renewed urgency. Climate change is also expanding the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, threatening new populations.
The WHO’s 2025 Malaria Report reveals that without intensified action, global targets to reduce malaria incidence and mortality by 90% by 2030 will not be met.
Call to Action
World Malaria Day serves as a reminder that the fight against malaria is not just a health issue, but a matter of equity, development, and human rights. Governments, donors, scientists, and community leaders are all being urged to recommit to this critical goal.
“Ending malaria is possible,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “But only if we work together — with urgency, compassion, and determination.”