World Malaria Report 2021

The World Malaria Report 2021 was released by World Health Organisation. According to the report, the global efforts to tackle malaria suffered terribly due to corona virus disease.

What are the key findings of the report?

• In 2020, 627,000 people died of malaria globally. This is 12% increase as compared to the increase in 2019.
• Around 47,000 people died due to disruptions in malaria prevention efforts and treatment during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Around 241 million malaria cases were reported from 85 countries. In 2019, this was 227 million. Most of this increase came from African countries.

Which are the most affected countries?

Around six countries accounted for 55% of malaria cases. They are Nigeria, Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Angola and Burkina Faso. Of these, Nigeria was the top most contributing 27%. It was followed by Congo (12%) and Uganda (5%).

What is the current status of WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016?

The strategy was launched in 2016 and is to be implemented till 2030. It was adopted in the World Health Assembly, 2016. The target is to reduce malarial mortality rates at least by 90% by 2030. According to the report, the target was missed in 2020.

What did the report say about India?

India accounted to 83% of cases in South East Asian region. However, India reported reduction in malarial cases between 2019 and 2020. India is one of the 11 countries that contribute to 71% of global deaths. The countries are Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Ghana and Congo. Except India, the malarial death cases in these countries increased.

Who were the top performers?

• In 2021, China and El Salvador were certified as malaria – free countries by World Health Organisation. Also, Iran attained three consecutive years of zero indigenous cases.
• Around 72% of insecticide treated mosquito nets were distributed in malaria endemic countries. This was as planned by the end of 2020. However, India lagged in delivering mosquito nets and campaigns.