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World Malaria Day 2023

24 Apr 2023

Malaria is a severe but preventable and treatable disease.

World Malaria Day takes place on 25 April each year to highlight the need for continued commitment to prevent and control malaria worldwide.

Malaria burden

Malaria is a parasite infection that is transmitted to people by the bite of female mosquitoes. It is widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries. According to the latest World Malaria Report, there were in 2021 an estimated:

  • 247 million new cases of malaria (up from 245 million in 2020)
  • 619,000 malaria-related deaths worldwide (up from 625,000 in 2020)

The World Health Organization (WHO) African region accounted for 95% of malaria cases and deaths in 2021. Almost half of all malaria deaths worldwide occurred in the following 4 countries:

  • Nigeria (31.3%)
  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%)
  • United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%)
  • Niger (3.9%)

Children under 5 years are the most vulnerable age group affected by malaria. In 2021, children under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 80% of all malaria deaths worldwide.

Theme for 2022 World Malaria Day

The theme for 2023 is 'Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement'

  • This year, WHO will focus on the third “I” of the theme (implement) which highlights the importance of reaching all vulnerable populations using the tools and strategies which currently exist to help those most at risk of malaria.
  • Additional information on the World Malaria Day 2023 campaign is available on the WHO website

Further information about malaria and how to prevent malaria can be found in our malaria pages.