Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – African leaders warn that declining funding could reverse decades of progress against malaria, as new data reveals rising risks across the continent.
At the African Union Summit, officials review the 2025 malaria progress report, highlighting stalled gains and reduced international support.
According to Duma Boko, Africa recorded 270.8 million cases and 594,119 deaths in 2024, accounting for nearly all global fatalities.
“The perfect storm of converging crises threatening malaria elimination has intensified,” Boko says.
Leaders warn that a 30% funding drop could trigger 146 million additional cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlights local innovation.
“This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge,” she says.
Officials call for increased domestic financing, stronger global partnerships, and support from institutions like the World Bank.
Despite funding concerns, progress is noted in vaccine rollout and next-generation mosquito nets across 24 countries.
Experts say full funding and deployment of tools could save millions of lives and significantly boost Africa’s economy.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom 