Imagine a world where malaria, a disease that has plagued humanity for centuries, could be a thing of the past. Sounds too good to be true? Well, the World Health Organization (WHO) 2025 World Malaria Report hints at a glimmer of hope, highlighting significant strides in prevention measures. But here's where it gets controversial: despite these advancements, funding cuts threaten to derail this progress, leaving millions vulnerable. In this second installment of our 2-part series, we delve into the promising developments and the challenges that could undo them.
The report celebrates the expansion of innovative programs, including the distribution of next-generation mosquito nets, the rollout of malaria vaccines, and the implementation of seasonal and perennial chemoprevention. These efforts have shown remarkable success in reducing severe malaria cases, particularly among young children and pregnant women. For instance, hundreds of thousands of low-birthweight cases have been averted, a testament to the power of these interventions. However, the report also sounds a cautionary note: fewer than half of those at risk are protected by insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) remains alarmingly low.
And this is the part most people miss: the rise of mosquito populations resistant to pyrethroids, the common insecticide used in nets, has prompted the WHO to recommend a new approach—nets treated with both pyrethroids and piperonyl butoxide (PBO). In 2024, these dual-treated nets accounted for 84% of the 168 million nets distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, up from just 10% in 2019. Yet, despite this progress, coverage gaps persist, leaving millions unprotected.
Vaccination efforts have also gained momentum, with two WHO-recommended vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) and R21/Matrix-M (R21), being introduced in 24 countries by October 2025. UNICEF has delivered over 10.5 million doses, reaching an estimated 2.1 million children in 2024. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) programs have proven effective in Africa, particularly for children under five, the most vulnerable group. SMC provides monthly antimalarial doses during peak transmission seasons, while PMC aligns with routine immunizations in the first year of life.
However, the report underscores a stark reality: sharp reductions in malaria financing, particularly in Official Development Assistance (ODA), are jeopardizing these gains. Funding in 2024-2025 fell to just $3.9 billion, less than half of what is needed. This has led to disrupted programs, delayed campaigns, and weakened surveillance systems, putting recent progress at serious risk. The United States' reduced support has been a significant factor, highlighting the fragility of global health initiatives reliant on external funding.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can we sustain the fight against malaria without stable, long-term funding? The WHO report suggests that current levels of IPTp could prevent low birthweight in 530,000 newborns, but matching IPTp coverage with antenatal care visits could save an additional 161,000. Yet, without adequate resources, these goals remain out of reach.
As we reflect on these findings, it’s clear that while progress has been made, the battle is far from over. What do you think? Are we doing enough to combat malaria, or is more needed? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
For a deeper dive into this critical issue, read the first installment of this series here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on emerging infectious diseases, delivered straight to your inbox.
