Nigeria accounted for nearly one-third of all malaria-related deaths recorded globally in 2024, according to new data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), underscoring the scale of the public health challenge facing the country.
The WHO data shows that Nigeria alone contributed 30.3 per cent of global malaria deaths in the year under review, far ahead of other affected countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo followed with 11.1 per cent, while Niger recorded 5.8 per cent.
Other countries with significant shares of global malaria deaths include Tanzania (4.3 per cent), Ethiopia (3.7 per cent), Madagascar (3.4 per cent), Mozambique (2.9 per cent), and Angola (2.7 per cent). Uganda and Burkina Faso also each accounted for 2.7 per cent, while Mali and Chad recorded 2.3 per cent apiece. Sudan contributed 2.1 per cent, with all other countries combined accounting for 3.9 per cent of global deaths.
According to the WHO, the figures highlight persistent gaps in malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, especially among children and pregnant women.
Health experts say Nigeria’s high burden is linked to factors such as population size, climate conditions favourable to mosquito breeding, limited access to quality healthcare in some regions, and challenges in the consistent use of preventive tools such as insecticide-treated nets.
The WHO has repeatedly called for intensified investment in malaria control, including improved funding, stronger primary healthcare systems, wider access to effective medicines, and sustained public health campaigns at community level.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the disease, public health advocates stress that reversing the trend will require coordinated action by government, development partners and communities to reduce preventable deaths and align with global malaria elimination targets.
Global Malaria Deaths in 2024 — Country Breakdown (WHO)
🇳🇬 Nigeria — 30.3%
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of Congo — 11.1%
🇳🇪 Niger — 5.8%
🇹🇿 Tanzania — 4.3%
🇪🇹 Ethiopia — 3.7%
🇲🇬 Madagascar — 3.4%
🇲🇿 Mozambique — 2.9%
🇦🇴 Angola — 2.7%
🇺🇬 Uganda — 2.7%
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso — 2.7%
🇲🇱 Mali — 2.3%
🇹🇩 Chad — 2.3%
🇸🇩 Sudan — 2.1%
🌍 Other countries combined — 3.9%
