Burkina Faso's fight against Malaria

The years 2024 and 2025 mark a critical phase in the fight against malaria in Burkina Faso. While the international community and local actors continue their efforts to contain the disease, the available data reveal a complex and evolving trend in malaria cases. This period has been characterized by a dynamic landscape, where progress in some regions has been overshadowed by persistent challenges in others. In the early months of 2024, initial reports indicated a degree of stability in the number of reported malaria cases, which could be interpreted as a sign of the continued effectiveness of prevention campaigns, such as the distribution of mosquito nets and the application of insecticides. However, these positive developments have been impacted by climatic changes and seasonal fluctuations, which are known to favor breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, the vectors of the parasite. In the first months of 2024, initial reports showed a degree of stability in the number of reported malaria cases, which could be interpreted as a sign of the continued effectiveness of prevention campaigns, such as the distribution of mosquito nets and the application of insecticides. Particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to health services is limited, disease control efforts remained insufficient to fully contain the spread. The increase in refugee flows due to displacement and conflict further exacerbated the situation in certain regions, as overpopulation and a lack of sanitation increased the risk of disease transmission. As 2025 progressed, the data became more complex. While some regions continued to make progress in reducing the disease burden, cases increased again in other areas. This underscores the need for a flexible and adapted strategy tailored to the specific geographic and socioeconomic conditions of each region. The resistance of malaria parasites to conventional drugs also poses a growing threat and necessitates ongoing research and the development of new treatment approaches. The challenges Burkina Faso faced in the fight against malaria in 2024 and 2025 were multifaceted. These range from the effects of climate change and its close link to mosquito populations, to the logistical and financial hurdles in implementing prevention and treatment strategies, to the socioeconomic factors that influence the population's vulnerability. Ongoing monitoring, strengthening health systems, and promoting community participation remain essential for successfully combating malaria in Burkina Faso in the long term. The total number of malaria cases in the country decreased from 10,805,020 in 2024 to 7,329,278 in 2025. This marks a significant reversal of the trend observed between 2020 and 2024, as the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso announced in a statement. The following measures contributed to this turnaround: Free malaria vaccination, available in all 70 health districts since August 2025; National campaign to distribute nearly 15 million free, insecticide-treated, next-generation mosquito nets; Seasonal chemoprevention (administration of a curative dose of malaria medication) over five months during the peak transmission season for nearly 4.9 million children under five years of age; Intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women; Strengthening early detection and improving case management. The elimination of malaria in Burkina Faso by 2030 is now the declared goal of the government.