Angola and Mozambique, governed by the MPLA and FRELIMO respectively since 1975, rank among the ten nations with the highest malaria cases worldwide, according to the latest World Malaria Report published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In 2023, malaria cases globally surged to 263 million, an increase of 11 million from the previous year.
Africa accounted for 94% of these cases, with Nigeria leading the tally at 68.1 million cases, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (33.1 million) and Uganda (12.6 million).
Mozambique recorded 9.56 million cases, while Angola reported 8.25 million.
The report highlighted that five countries—Nigeria (26%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (13%), Uganda (5%), Ethiopia (4%), and Mozambique (4%)—contributed significantly to global malaria cases.
The Eastern Mediterranean region also saw a dramatic increase, with incidence rising by 57% since 2021, reaching 17.9 cases per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023.
Globally, malaria claimed 597,000 lives last year, with Africa bearing 95% of the mortality burden.
Despite these challenges, progress in reducing malaria has been noted.
Between 2000 and 2023, 12.7 million deaths were averted worldwide, with 12 million of these in Africa.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized, “No one should die from malaria.
While life-saving tools are improving protection, more investment and action are essential, particularly in African nations.”
In 2024, Egypt joined the list of malaria-free nations, becoming the third in the Eastern Mediterranean region to achieve this status.
WHO has now certified 44 countries and territories as malaria-free, with 25 endemic countries reporting fewer than 10 cases annually—a sharp improvement from just four countries in 2000.
In Angola, malaria has been described as a reflection of governance under the MPLA.
José Martins, the national coordinator of Angola’s Malaria Control Program, acknowledged in 2019 that malaria elimination is possible by 2030.
Strategies, including cross-border actions with Namibia, have reportedly reduced mortality rates in endemic provinces like Uíge, Malanje, and Lunda-Norte.
Experts and organizations continue to stress the need for coordinated prevention and treatment efforts, with Angola receiving significant investments from partners like ExxonMobil to combat malaria in the country.
