A worrying new report shows that in 2024, the number of people dying from Malaria around the world went up — especially in countries where many families live. The rise in malaria deaths affects many children too, reminding all of us how important it is to stay safe and healthy. Reuters
Health experts report that malaria deaths climbed in 2024 to roughly 610,000 people, mostly children in parts of Africa. Reuters This is sad because in recent decades, doctors and scientists had made good progress in reducing malaria. But now that progress is slowing, and some places are seeing more illness again. Reuters
Why is malaria increasing again? There are several reasons. In some areas, the tiny mosquitoes that spread malaria are becoming harder to stop because of changes in weather, climate, and sometimes because medicines and bed nets don’t work as well anymore. Reuters+1 War and conflicts in certain countries also make it harder for families to get medicines or protection from mosquitoes. Reuters
This news is especially important for children — because many of those who died were young kids. When malaria becomes more common, it means more families might get sick, more children might miss school, and more people could lose loved ones.
Health agencies say that if more money and effort go into fighting malaria now — by giving medicines, providing mosquito nets, and helping poor communities — then many lives can be saved. Reuters
For young readers everywhere, this is a reminder: sometimes the greatest threats are tiny — like a mosquito bite. But small things matter: sleeping under a mosquito-net, using clean water, and getting help from doctors if someone feels feverish can help keep malaria away.
