International ReportsImportant2024-12-11

Release of World Malaria Report 2024

Q: With reference to the World Malaria Report 2024, consider the following statements: 1. The WHO African Region accounts for more than 90% of global malaria deaths. 2. India accounts for nearly half of all malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 2 — Statement 1 is correct: The WHO African Region bears the heaviest burden of the disease, accounting for approximately 95% of global malaria deaths. Statement 2 is correct: India remains a major contributor in its region, accounting for nearly half of all cases reported in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

In News

What Happened

On December 11, 2024, the World Health Organization released the World Malaria Report 2024 in Geneva. The report revealed 263 million global malaria cases and 597,000 deaths in 2023, marking an increase of 11 million cases from the previous year. For the first time, it also introduced a dedicated chapter emphasizing the urgent need to address health inequities among vulnerable populations.

Why It Matters

India accounts for nearly half of all malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region, making it a critical player in global elimination efforts. Tracking these metrics helps India refine its National Framework for Malaria Elimination and strategically target interventions in persistent high-burden states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Background

History & Context

The WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 was established to significantly reduce global malaria incidence and mortality rates. To align with global targets, India launched the National Framework for Malaria Elimination in 2016, aiming to achieve a malaria-free country by 2030. Furthermore, the WHO and RBM Partnership to End Malaria launched the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) initiative in 2018 to accelerate progress in the 11 countries carrying the heaviest disease burden.

What Changed

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Global case trajectory: BEFORE, global malaria cases were steadily declining or plateauing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. NOW, the 2024 report documents a concerning resurgence, with cases rising from 252 million in 2022 to 263 million in 2023.
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Prevention technologies: BEFORE, standard pyrethroid-treated bed nets and indoor spraying were the primary large-scale vector control methods. NOW, next-generation insecticide-treated nets are being widely distributed, and 17 countries have successfully introduced malaria vaccines (like RTS,S and R21) into routine childhood immunization.
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Equity focus in reporting: BEFORE, annual WHO reports primarily evaluated aggregate national data and overall epidemiological trends. NOW, the 2024 report includes a first-ever dedicated chapter on health inequities, mandating targeted responses for marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples, migrants, and remote communities.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This topic connects directly to Class 12 Biology Chapter 8 (Human Health and Disease), which details the life cycle of the Plasmodium parasite and its transmission via the female Anopheles mosquito. Understanding this biological mechanism is fundamental to grasping why the WHO report heavily emphasizes vector-control tools and the rollout of novel vaccines.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

With reference to the World Malaria Report 2024, consider the following statements: 1. The WHO African Region accounts for more than 90% of global malaria deaths. 2. India accounts for nearly half of all malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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