By Chioma Obinna

The World Health Organisation, Regional Office for Africa on Wednesday warned that Africa’s fight against malaria is at a critical crossroads as $45 billion funding gap threatens to derail hard-won gains and fuel a resurgence of the disease.

In a message to mark the 2026 World Malaria Day, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, said nearly 600,000 people died from malaria in 2024, with three-quarters of the victims being young children.

“At least $45 billion will be needed between 2026 and 2030 to meet global malaria targets,” he said, warning that failure to close the gap could reverse years of progress.

Describing the moment as both urgent and promising, Janabi said Africa now has the commitment, knowledge and tools to dramatically reduce malaria cases and deaths, and ultimately eliminate it as a public health threat.

He pointed to growing momentum across the region, including increased domestic funding by more than ten countries since January 2025 and the rollout of malaria vaccines in 25 countries, targeting about 10 million children annually.

Next-generation mosquito nets designed to overcome insecticide resistance are now widely deployed, while digital tools are improving the ability to predict, detect and respond to outbreaks.

“Elimination is no longer a distant aspiration. It is an achievable goal if we act decisively, now,” he said.
However, he cautioned that progress remains fragile amid widening funding gaps, insecticide resistance, emerging drug resistance, climate variability and rising humanitarian crises.

“Now we can because we have stronger political commitment, better data, more engaged communities and more powerful tools than ever before. Now we must, because when investment declines, malaria returns quickly,” he warned.

Janabi urged governments, donors and partners to act swiftly to sustain gains and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women.

“The opportunity is historic. Let us act together so the next generation can live free from the scourge of malaria,” he added.