Ending malaria is an African development priority
Mwelekeo media Tz As Africa marks Africa Month and reflects on the ambitions of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, malaria experts are calling for malaria elimination to be viewed not only as a public health challenge, but as a critical development priority that will shape the continent’s resilience and future growth. Despite decades of progress, malaria continues to place significant pressure on African economies, education systems, and healthcare infrastructure. According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2025, Africa still carries the overwhelming majority of the global malaria burden, with children under five and vulnerable communities most affected. Beyond the immediate health impacts, repeated malaria infections continue to disrupt livelihoods, reduce productivity, and affect long-term educational outcomes across endemic countries. Adults often miss work multiple times a year due to illness, while children lose valuable school days, impacting learning and future opportunities. “The p...