World Malaria Day 2026: Message from Shenaaz El-Halabi, WHO Representative in South Africa

Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.

25 April 2026, Pretoria | On this World Malaria Day, the World Health Organization in South Africa, joins the Department of Health reaffirming a shared commitment to end malaria as a public health threat.

As highlighted by Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, we are at a defining moment in the fight against malaria. The tools, knowledge and commitment now exist to dramatically reduce malaria illness and deaths. Across the African Region, progress is accelerating through stronger country leadership, increased domestic investment, improved use of data, and the introduction of innovations such as vaccines and next-generation vector control tools.

Yet, the burden remains unacceptably high in Africa region accounting for 94% of cases and 95% of deaths globally. Malaria continues to claim around 610, 000 of lives each year, with 75% of deaths in the region occurring in children aged under 5 years. These are preventable deaths, and they underscore the urgency captured in this year's theme: Now we can. Now we must.

In South Africa, significant strides have been made towards malaria elimination, supported by targeted interventions and enhanced surveillance. However, recent developments remind us that progress is fragile. Gauteng Province has reported an upsurge in malaria cases, with 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths between January and March 2026-an increase from 230 cases and one death during the same period in 2025. This rise is largely linked to travel-related infections from endemic areas and highlights the continued risk of importation and resurgence.

This situation reinforces several critical priorities for South Africa's malaria response:

• Sustained national leadership and investment to protect gains and drive elimination forward.

• Strategic use of data and surveillance, including microstratification, to target interventions where they are most needed.

• Acceleration of innovation, ensuring equitable access to new tools and strengthening local research and manufacturing capacity.

• Strong primary health care systems and cross border collaborations to enable early diagnosis, prompt treatment and effective prevention.

• Whole-of-society engagement, recognizing that malaria control extends beyond the health sector and requires active community participation.

While progress is evident, challenges remain. Funding gaps, insecticide and drug resistance, climate variability, and population movement all threaten to reverse gains if vigilance is not maintained.

South Africa stands at a critical juncture. The country has demonstrated that elimination is within reach, but recent trends highlight the need for renewed urgency and sustained action.

On this day, the World Health Organization calls on government, partners, researchers, civil society and communities across South Africa to act decisively. By strengthening collaboration, investing in proven and innovative solutions, and maintaining focus on those most at risk, we can protect progress and accelerate toward elimination.

Now we can-because we have the tools, knowledge and partnerships.
Now we must-because lives depend on it.