Malaria in 2022: Challenges and Progress

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have recently seen a number of important advances in malaria. Not long ago, the main malaria story was about improvements, with decreasing worldwide incidence and declarations of malaria elimination in one country after another. Progress continues, but primarily in countries with relatively little malaria. Unfortunately, in many countries hardest hit by malaria, especially in Africa, there has been backsliding, with more cases estimated in 2020 than in 2015. Of great concern, resistance to artemisinins has gained a foothold in Africa. On a brighter note, the first malaria vaccine has been approved by the WHO, and other improved tools to control malaria are available.