December 11, 2024 (Washington, DC) - Malaria No More CEO Martin Edlund issued the following statement upon the release of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024 World Malaria Report.
This year’s World Malaria Report is an opportunity to reflect on nearly a quarter-century of progress, and what it will take to finish the job. Thanks to U.S. leadership and global partnership, we have helped avert 2.2 billion cases of malaria, save 12.7 million lives, and help 44 countries to eliminate the disease.
And there is new hope for families with young children across Africa. 17 countries have already introduced the world’s first-ever malaria vaccines into their routine childhood immunization programs, with more to follow. Last year alone, 195 million next-generation nets were distributed to ensure the continued effectiveness of this vital tool. Together, these innovations will save millions more lives.
But without resources, progress in the malaria fight will falter. In 2023, total global investments in malaria control reached a new high-water mark of $4 billion. But more resources are needed in the face of growing drug and insecticide resistance, climate change, and conflict to achieve our ultimate goal of ensuring no child dies from a mosquito bite.
African governments are counting on continued U.S. support and are already matching U.S. contributions nearly dollar-for-dollar. Ahead of global replenishments for the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the U.S. must continue to lead. With powerful new tools on the way, now is the time to put the world on the path to end malaria in our lifetimes.
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