In 2024, approximately 610 000 deaths were attributed to malaria, of which an estimated 440 000 occurred in children under five years of age, almost all caused by P. falciparum. Go to footnote 1
While the global mortality rate has generally declined over the past two decades – the annual number of malaria deaths were higher in 2024 than 2023 (by 13 000). Go to footnote 2
In 2024, one in six children aged 1-59 months died from malaria (17%) globally and one in four children died from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa (25%). Go to footnote 3 Malaria mortality rates begin to fall around 24 months of age in areas of moderate and high transmission, while in areas of highly seasonal malaria, acquired immunity may take longer to develop. Go to footnote 4
- Go back to footnote reference 1
World Health Organization (2025). World malaria report 2025: addressing the threat of antimalarial drug resistance. Geneva: World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240117822
, accessed 13 May 2026). - Go back to footnote reference 2
World Health Organization (2025). World malaria report 2025: addressing the threat of antimalarial drug resistance. Geneva: World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240117822
, accessed 13 May 2026). - Go back to footnote reference 3
United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) (2026). Levels & trends in child mortality: report 2025. New York: United Nations Children’s Fund (https://data.unicef.org/resources/levels-and-trends-in-child-mortality-2025/, accessed 13 May 2026).
- Go back to footnote reference 4
World Health Organization (2024). Malaria vaccines: WHO position paper, May 2024. Wkly Epidemiol Rec. 99(19):225–248 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer-9919-225-248, accessed 13 May 2026).
