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World Malaria Day 2026
Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.
25 April 2026
On World Malaria Day 2026, the World Health Organization joins partners to launch the campaign "Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must." This is a rallying cry to grasp the moment, protect lives now and fund a malaria-free future.
Regional context
Malaria poses a significant – and resurging – threat in the Eastern Mediterranean Region where complex emergencies, displacement and climate-related crises continue to disrupt health systems.
In 2024, there were an estimated 11.1 million malaria cases in the Region, and 22 100 deaths, with more than one‑third occurring among children under 5.
In 2024, there were an estimated 11.1 million malaria cases in the Region, and 22 100 deaths, with more than one‑third occurring among children under 5.
Following several consecutive years of increasing malaria incidence, the Region saw a modest 4.3% decline in cases between 2023 and 2024, driven largely by Pakistan’s recovery from extensive flooding that had caused massive outbreaks in previous years. This improvement was offset by major increases in Yemen (+38.3%) and Afghanistan (+37.8%).
Since 2015, malaria case incidence and mortality rates have increased significantly, leaving the Region off track to meet WHO Global Technical Strategy (GTS) targets. In 2024, incidence was 7 times higher, and the mortality rate 7.6 times higher than the GTS 2025 milestone, reflecting persistent transmission and fragile health systems.
Total malaria funding fell by 27% between 2015 and 2024, from US$ 152 million to US$ 111 million. The domestic funding share dropped from 36% to 21%.
High-burden countries: 6 countries account for the bulk of malaria transmission in the Region. Sudan accounts for 44.6% of the estimated burden, followed by Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan and Djibouti.
Key achievements
Despite significant challenges, some countries have made remarkable progress.
To make a malaria-free future a reality, the Region needs to:
- Sustain and scale funding, with efficiency: Commit to sustained, diversified financing – both international and domestic. In an era of real financial constraints, every dollar must work harder. We must prioritize high-impact, data-driven interventions and deliver optimized responses that maximize value and minimize waste. Funding is what gets new vaccines, treatments and tools out of labs and into the communities that need them most.
- Champion country leadership: Support nationally-led programmes that drive change and tailor interventions to local needs for maximum impact. Strong national ownership is the foundation of an efficient and sustainable response.
- Ensure consistent partner support: Progress depends on predictable, aligned and consistent support from all partners. Sustainable gains are built not on sporadic commitments but on reliable collaboration that allows countries to plan and implement for the long term.
- Accelerate innovation: Continue to invest in research and development for new generations of tools, including those to beat insecticide, diagnostic and drug resistance.
- Empower communities: Engage and resource communities as protagonists in their own health. Everyone has a role to play.
Campaign materials
