Annual new cases of malaria globally
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 228 million cases of malaria reported globally in 2020. This number has been declining over the years, thanks to efforts to control and eliminate the disease.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated number of new cases of malaria globally for the past few years:
- 2020: 228 million cases
- 2019: 229 million cases
- 2018: 239 million cases
- 2017: 252 million cases
- 2016: 257 million cases
- 2015: 214 million cases
It's worth noting that the actual number of cases may be higher, as many cases may go unreported or undiagnosed, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Malaria is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and if left untreated, the disease can be life-threatening.
The WHO and other global health organizations are working to control and eliminate malaria through a variety of strategies, including:
- Distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent mosquito bites
- Use of antimalarial medications to treat and prevent the disease
- Indoor residual spraying to kill mosquitoes
- Distribution of larval control agents to prevent mosquito breeding
- Vaccination efforts, including the development of new vaccines
Despite progress in reducing the number of malaria cases, the disease remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in Africa, where it is a leading cause of illness and death.