Top 10 countries with the highest malaria death rates
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by female Anopheles mosquitoes and affects several countries, particularly within sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, the disease is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide and the leading cause of death in many developing countries.
While the disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medical treatment, the number of people dying from the same is startling. Nearly 600,000 persons died from Malaria globally according to 2023 WHO statistics, with 263 million malaria cases recorded.
Out of this number, 246 million, representing 94% and 569,000 representing 95% respectively were recorded in the WHO African Region.
Children under 5 suffered the most, with about 76% of deaths coming from that category in the region. In this article, we put together a list of countries with some of the highest malaria mortality rates:
1. Nigeria
Nigeria can be said to be leading the malaria burden globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all malaria deaths worldwide. In 2022, the country reported nearly 200,000 malaria-related deaths. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected groups, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% among children aged 6-59 months as of 2021, according to the WHO.
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
As a result of its tropical regions and other major challenges in DRC's healthcare infrastructure, high incidence and mortality rates associated with malaria are consistently recorded in the country. The country currently accounts for approximately 12% of global malaria deaths.
3. Niger
Malaria is a leading cause of death in Niger, representing approximately 6% of global malaria deaths. The country's predominantly rural population and limited access to healthcare services make malaria a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
4. Tanzania
Approximately 4% of Tanzanians die globally from malaria deaths, according to the World Health Organisation. Despite ongoing control efforts, malaria remains a major public health issue, particularly affecting children under five years old.
5. Mozambique
Mozambique contributes to approximately 4.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's climate and environmental conditions promote malaria transmission, leading to significant health impacts.
6. Uganda
Uganda has relatively higher numbers compared to other African countries as far as number of global malaria deaths are concerned. With an estimated 5.1% of global malaria deaths, malaria is endemic across the country, with high transmission rates posing substantial health risks to the population.
7. Angola
Angola represents approximately 3.4% of global malaria deaths. Many, particularly pregnant women and children die from malaria in this part of Africa, according to statistics available to the World Health Organisation.
8. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso contributes to about 3.2% of global malaria deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, the high transmission rates are a significant public health concern, especially in rural areas.
9. Mali
Mali accounts for approximately 3.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's malaria situation poses ongoing challenges to public health efforts.
10. Cameroon
Cameroon represents about 2.6% of global malaria deaths. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with children under five being the most vulnerable.
Here's a video compilation:
