Under the global theme “Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” Angola observed World Malaria Day with a ceremony held at the Private University of Angola (UPRA) in Luanda. The event reaffirmed the country’s ongoing efforts toward reducing the malaria burden and working toward the goal of elimination by 2030, in line with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s global strategy.

Malaria remains a major public health concern. According to the World Malaria Report 2024, the WHO African Region carries the heaviest burden of the disease, accounting for an estimated 94% of malaria cases and 95% of estimated malaria deaths worldwide in 2023.

In Angola, malaria continues to have a significant public health impact. In 2024, the country reported over 7 million malaria cases and around 11,000 deaths, primarily affecting children and pregnant women. The burden is particularly high in areas with limited access to healthcare services.

“Our challenge is to ensure that no Angolan is left behind in accessing free malaria diagnosis and treatment,” emphasized Dr. José Franco Martins, Head of the Department of Disease Control.

Despite notable progress in recent years — including the distribution of over 12 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets and enhanced access to rapid diagnostic tests — Angola still faces significant hurdles, particularly in extending health service coverage to rural areas.

During the event, the Ministry of Health presented key findings from a supervision of the private health sector in Luanda, highlighting promising practices and challenges in diagnosing, treating, and recording malaria cases. The activity, carried out in January 2025, involved several private clinics and focused on evaluating the quality of care and prevention measures.

Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola, called for urgent and collective action to combat the disease: “Malaria is preventable and treatable. Ending it starts with me, with you, with all of us. We must reinvest, reimagine solutions, and reignite hope for a malaria-free Angola,” he passionately stated.

Dr. Indrajit reiterated the World Health Organization’s commitment to supporting Angola in bolstering malaria surveillance, expanding access to essential tools, and creating resilient health systems capable of addressing malaria and other diseases. “Let’s not forget that every life lost to malaria is one too many. And every life saved is a victory — not only for health, but also for dignity, opportunity, and hope,” he affirmed.

World Malaria Day commemorates another resolute step toward reducing morbidity and mortality by 2025 and achieving the national goal of eliminating malaria as a public health issue by 2030.