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World Malaria Day 2022

22 April 2022

World Malaria Day occurs on 25 April each year to highlight the need for continued commitment for malaria prevention and control. Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease.

Malaria burden

According to the latest World Malaria Report, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria and 627,000 malaria-related deaths worldwide in 2020, which is an increase of 14 million cases, and 69,000 deaths compared to 2019.

Approximately two-thirds of the additional malaria deaths in 2020 were linked to disruptions in malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

95% of malaria cases and deaths occurred in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region, with more than half of all malaria deaths occurring in the following 4 countries:

  • Nigeria (31.9%)
  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo (13.2%)
  • United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%)
  • Mozambique (3.8%)

Children under 5 years are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria; in 2020 this age group in sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately two thirds of all global deaths from malaria.

Theme for 2022

The theme for 2022 is 'Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives'

This year’s campaign is highlighting that there is no single tool available that will reduce the burden of malaria. It is calling for worldwide investment and innovation to consider new vector control approaches, diagnostics, antimalarial medicines and other tools to speed up the pace of progress against malaria.

  • Additional information on the World Malaria Day 2022 campaign is available on the WHO website

Advice for travellers

Malaria is spread by the bite of female Anopheles mosquito. Most Anopheles species prefer to feed between dusk and dawn, which is when most transmission of malaria occurs.

Country-specific malaria risk can be found on the individual TRAVAX destination pages. If malaria is present, a map and accompanying prevention advice is provided, following the A, B, C, D format of malaria prevention:

  • Awareness of risk - a summary description of the malaria risk for that country.
  • Bite prevention - practical measures to take to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Chemoprophylaxis - country specific chemoprophylaxis advice.
  • Diagnosis and treatment - information on the signs and symptoms of malaria and the importance of prompt treatment.

See the Malaria section on TRAVAX for further detailed information on:

  • A, B, C, D of prevention
  • Groups at higher risk of malaria
  • Standby Emergency treatment for Malaria
  • Scottish Malaria Advisory Group
  • Malaria FAQs
  • How to use the Malaria Maps