Malawi records 9.4 million malaria cases, 2,252 deaths in 2024

Blue Line: Shows the number of malaria cases (in millions). A steady and alarming increase from 2022 to 2024.
Red Dashed Line: Shows malaria-related deaths. Deaths slightly dropped in 2023 but surged sharply again in 2024.

By Catherine Tinto

Health authorities are raising the alarm following a sharp rise in malaria cases, with over 9.4 million infections and 2,252 deaths recorded nationwide in 2024.

The Ministry of Health has released the figures as the country joins the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day, under the theme: “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”

Secretary for Health, Sam Mndolo, says the 2024 statistics mark a worrying trend, building on increases from previous years. In 2022, Malawi recorded 4.6 million cases and 1,829 deaths, while in 2023, the country saw 6.5 million cases and 1,670 deaths.

He warns that the continuous rise in infections is overwhelming the health system, lowering productivity, and slowing the nation’s economic progress.

Despite the setbacks, Mndolo notes that investments made since 2018 have led to notable progress, saving lives through improved prevention and treatment efforts.

The Ministry is now urging citizens to step up the fight by sleeping under mosquito nets, seeking early medical attention, and actively supporting community-level awareness campaigns to turn the tide against the disease.