Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Global Malaria Fight Faces Drug Resistance and Funding Challenges
The fight against malaria is facing big challenges.
In 2024, there were more malaria cases and deaths than the year before.
This is because the drugs used to treat malaria are not working as well as they used to, and there is not enough money to fight the disease.
The World Health Organization says that only about half of the money needed to fight malaria is being provided.
However, India has made great progress in reducing malaria cases and deaths.
The country has set a goal to eliminate malaria by 2030.
To win the fight against malaria, the world needs to invest more money in new drugs, vaccines, and health systems to detect and respond to drug resistance.
Global malaria cases reached 282 million in 2024, a 3% increase from 2023
Malaria deaths rose to 610,000 in 2024, up from 598,000 in 2023
Drug resistance to artemisinin, a key malaria treatment, is a growing threat
Global funding for malaria was $3.9 billion in 2024, down from $4 billion in 2023 and less than half of the $9.3 billion target set by WHO for 2025
India has reduced malaria cases by over 80% and deaths by 78%, with a goal of eliminating malaria by 2030
- Who
- World Health Organization (WHO), global health community, India
- What
- Global malaria cases and deaths are increasing due to drug resistance and funding shortfalls
- When
- 2024
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region and India
- Why
- Drug resistance to artemisinin and declining funding for malaria prevention and treatment
- Global Malaria Cases (2024)
- 282 million
- Global Malaria Deaths (2024)
- 610,000
- Global Malaria Funding (2024)
- $3.9 billion
- WHO Funding Target (2025)
- $9.3 billion
- India's Malaria Deaths (2024)
- 3,900