Malaria Deaths Fall Sharply After Decades of Progress

Malaria deaths have fallen dramatically in Papua New Guinea, bringing the country closer to its goal of eliminating malaria fatalities and improving public health outcomes nationwide.

“The decrease in malaria-related deaths is due to different parties working together. The surveillance team picks up information and informs the malaria team, who then takes action,” said Lucy Dally, Morobe Malaria Coordinator.

National health data show that Papua New Guinea reduced its malaria death rate from 13 to one per 100,000 people over the past 25 years, while annual malaria deaths fell from 699 in 2000 to 148 in 2025. Confirmed malaria cases also declined last year for the first time since expanded testing began in 2012, with more than 27,000 fewer cases recorded than the previous year. Health authorities attribute the progress to improved diagnosis, effective treatments, stronger surveillance systems and the distribution of rapid diagnostic tests, medicines and insecticide-treated bed nets. The country’s strategy now aims to reduce malaria-related deaths by 90% and ultimately eliminate preventable fatalities.