World Malaria Day 2025: Taking Actions Towards a Malaria-Free Future

Malaria is one of the world’s deadliest diseases. This parasitic infection is spread via certain types of mosquitos, causing a potentially fatal outcome if not diagnosed and treated quickly. It’s estimated that there were 263 million malaria cases in 2023, causing 597,000 deaths in 83 countries. Africa remains the most endemic region, home to 94% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths.

Despite other infectious diseases, like polio or smallpox, being all but eliminated, malaria persists. World Malaria Day 2025 is a chance to raise awareness about this life-threatening illness, supporting causes that combat the disease and offering malaria treatments to resource-deprived regions.

Below, we look at the global efforts, challenges, and progress toward achieving a malaria-free world. Here’s what you can do this World Malaria Day.

Introducing World Malaria Day 2025

World Malaria Day is on Friday 25th April 2025. Created by the WHO in 2007, it’s become a landmark date for highlighting the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment. Each year, a different theme is highlighted. This year’s theme is “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”

Powerful and far-reaching, the WHO is asking to imagine a world without malaria, and the avoidable deaths. Let’s take a closer look at each objective:

Reinvest. We cannot combat malaria without investment – nor can endemic nations thrive economically without first tackling infections. It’s estimated that defeating malaria by 2030 could yield a 40 to 1 return on investment (ROI).
Reimagine. We accept the world as it is, assuming malaria is always with us. However, we can reimagine a world with affordable and effective treatments, like malaria tablets or the recent launch of long-acting injectables, are freely available to everyone.
Reignite. When you fight a battle year after year, your passion and enthusiasm wane. Yet, successful collaboration and partnership make a tangible difference. It’s time to reignite the hopes of eliminating malaria.

Global Malaria Landscape

Malaria remains a global problem. Currently, malaria is endemic in Africa, much of South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Nations such as China and South Africa are already combating and working to eliminate malaria entirely from their population.

As of January 2025, a total of 45 countries and 1 territory have been certified as malaria-free by the WHO. Africa continues to be the epicentre of the disease – home to 94% of all malaria cases. Perhaps saddest of all is that children under 5 are most susceptible to the disease, comprising 76% of all malaria deaths in the region.

However, the global picture is shifting.

Transcontinental travel and a changing climate are creating growing pressures on previously malaria-free zones. Europe, for example, saw 7,200 imported cases of malaria in 2023 – up more than a thousand year-on-year.

Other challenges include drug resistance and health system gaps. Resource-deprived countries simply lack the facilities to adequately diagnose and treat the condition in a timely manner. People in rural regions must travel miles to the nearest health centre, wasting precious time when the disease progresses.

Innovative Approaches and Breakthroughs

It’s not all bad news. In fact, recent efforts to combat malaria are proving that complete elimination isn’t just possible – it’s probably inevitable. For example, several new medications and treatments are currently being trialled. These include:

First clinical trial of MMV371, a long-acting injectable that offers up to 3 months of protection against all types of malaria. It’s a novel drug combination with extremely promising results.
An Africa-Europe partnership launched a Phase 3 trial assessing antimalarial medicines in women in their first trimester of pregnancy. It could safeguard against potential complications going forward.
First single-dose medicine malaria treatment, tafenoquine, is now suitable for both adults and children aged 2 years and older, expanding the potential treatment options.
A new malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, has been approved for use in several African countries. It’s shown up to 75% efficacy in early trials and is expected to play a key role in reducing transmission and saving lives.

In addition, efforts to bolster healthcare infrastructure against malaria include specific initiatives, like the deployment of mobile diagnostic labs in rural Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing early detection and treatment. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership is collaborating with local governments and international donors to fund the expansion of healthcare facilities equipped to distribute new malaria treatments.

The Role of International Partnerships and Organisations

The responsibility for combating malaria doesn’t just fall on the shoulders of local governments. It’s something everyone, from the WHO and Global Fund to NGOs and private companies, must work together on.

But how can these organisations and partnerships make a tangible difference? Well, we’ve already looked at the incredible research and investment into new medicines and malarial treatments. These promising options indicate that we might be on the precipice of long-term prophylactic care.

However, malaria prevention is more than just malaria tablets and injectables. It’s about strengthening the existing healthcare infrastructure and prevention campaigns. Potential success stories include:

There’s no benefit to rural communities from advanced malarial treatments if they cannot access healthcare services. Improving access to diagnostic and treatment facilities allows for early, more successful interventions.
Malaria is a preventable disease. Because it’s spread exclusively via mosquitos, distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets and educating locals about mosquito control measures can have a major impact on transmission rates.
Part of the problem is a lack of public awareness. For example, a study involving 1,321 residents from nine malaria-endemic countries found that only around 30-50% of people knew that fever, chills, and sweating are common malaria symptoms. Educating populations on the risks and preventative measures can have an outsized effect.
Greater international collaboration is crucial due to the pressing threats of climate change. Coordinating efforts between governments ensures that initiatives can maximise their impact, working towards sustainable malaria eradication strategies.

The Role of Individuals and Travellers

We all have a responsibility to combat malaria. That could be raising awareness, working on cutting-edge research, or donating to effective causes. However, there’s another aspect of malaria prevention that matters – being proactive when travelling to endemic regions.

Each individual has a responsibility to look after their own health. Thankfully, you can substantially reduce your risk of malaria with a few sensible measures:

Use an Insect Repellent. The fewer interactions you have with mosquitos, the lower your risk of infection. Using an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus is highly effective at reducing the risk of insect bites.
Sleep Under a Mosquito Net. Mosquito nets work – even better if they’re coated with insecticide. In fact, analyses comparing people who use and don’t use long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) found infection rates were minimal among those using nets.
Wear Protective Clothing. Mosquitos will attempt to bite you anywhere that’s exposed. Best practices are to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimise exposure to mosquitos. If in doubt, you can buy specialist mosquito protective clothing.
Take Malarial Medication. The UK government recommends that anyone visiting an endemic region take antimalarial tablets during their stay. The Malaria Prevention Guidelines for Travellers include Atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine as the most effective malarial prevention tablets. There’s also a wealth of advice and information for safe travels.
Avoid Stagnant Water. Mosquitos breed in stagnant pools of water. Eliminating or avoiding standing water is a simple way to minimise mosquito exposure. Local communities can remove these areas to help combat malaria in their region.

Planning to Travel Abroad? Book a Travel Consultation

Malaria is the deadliest disease ever known to humanity. In low-income countries, it remains one of the top 10 leading causes of death. But, with new research into novel medicines and malarial treatment, there’s a growing hope of eliminating this disease once and for all.

World Malaria Day 2025 is your chance to support the cause. Join the fight back against malaria and support global efforts to eradicate the condition. That could be donating, posting on social media, or simply taking preventive measures when you travel.

If you’re planning to visit an endemic region, it’s sensible to speak to a travel health specialist. Health Klinix specialises in everything from travel vaccinations to anti-malaria treatments. Tell us where you’re visiting, and your travel health specialist will discuss the various preventative options.

So, heading to a malaria-prone area? Don’t take chances—book a consultation with Health Klinix today! Our travel health specialists will equip you with the latest in malaria prevention and ensure you’re fully protected for your journey.

References

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African Leaders Malaria Alliance. 2024 Africa malaria progress report [Internet]. ALMA; 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://alma2030.org/heads-of-state-and-government/african-union-malaria-progress-reports/2024-africa-malaria-progress-report/
Medicines for Malaria Venture. First-ever long-acting injectable malaria prevention administered [Internet]. MMV; 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://www.mmv.org/newsroom/news-resources-search/first-ever-long-acting-injectable-malaria-prevention-administered
Statista. Number of malaria cases reported in Europe from 2011 to 2021 [Internet]. Statista; 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/630936/malaria-cases-reported-europe/
Medicines for Malaria Venture. Africa-Europe partnership launches historic Phase 3 clinical trial [Internet]. MMV; 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://www.mmv.org/newsroom/news-resources-search/africa-europe-partnership-launch-historic-phase-3-clinical-trial
Medicines for Malaria Venture. First single-dose medicine for P. vivax malaria prequalified by WHO and suitable for children [Internet]. MMV; 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://www.mmv.org/newsroom/news-resources-search/first-single-dose-medicine-p-vivax-malaria-prequalified-who-and
University of Oxford. Oxford R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine receives WHO recommendation for use, paving the way for global rollout [Internet]. Oxford: University of Oxford; 2023 Oct 2 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2023-10-02-oxford-r21matrix-m-malaria-vaccine-receives-who-recommendation-use-paving-way-global
RBM Partnership to End Malaria. End Malaria [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://endmalaria.org/
Tatem AJ, Gething PW, Smith DL, Hay SI. Urbanization and the global malaria recession. Malar J [Internet]. 2016 Jul 20 [cited 2025 Apr 9];15:497. Available from: https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-016-1419-y
Public Health England. Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK [Internet]. London: UK Government; 2022 [cited 2025 Apr 9]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/malaria-prevention-guidelines-for-travellers-from-the-uk
Feachem RGA, Phillips AA, Targett GA. Shrinking the malaria map: a prospectus on malaria elimination. Int J Epidemiol [Internet]. 2010 Aug;39 Suppl 1:i1–8. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27436087/

Written by:

Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc

Approved by:

Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine

MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP