Malaria Cases Fall Sharply Following Expanded Prevention Efforts

The Gambia has recorded a 46% decline in malaria cases in a single year, reflecting significant progress in disease prevention and control efforts nationwide.

“These advances make malaria elimination within the current generation an achievable goal,” said Dr Nathan Nsubuga Bakyaita, WHO Representative in The Gambia.

Confirmed malaria cases fell from 108,090 in 2024 to 58,283 in 2025 following a series of nationwide interventions. More than 1.2 million next-generation insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed, reaching over 80% of households, while 127,578 children under five received seasonal malaria prevention treatment during the rainy season. Expanded access to rapid diagnostic testing, community-based treatment and public awareness campaigns also contributed to the decline. Building on this progress, the country plans to introduce a malaria vaccine into its routine immunisation programme and remains committed to eliminating the disease by 2030 through continued investment in prevention, treatment and surveillance.