The Burkina Faso government has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its fight against malaria, with a remarkable decline in both reported cases and fatalities in 2025. Speaking at a press conference in Ouagadougou, the Minister of Health, Dr. Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, highlighted the nation’s progress toward its 2030 elimination goal.
Unprecedented reduction in malaria burden
Malaria cases plummeted from 10,805,000 in 2024 to 7,329,000 in 2025—a 32% decrease. Among children under five, the drop was even more pronounced, with over 1.9 million fewer cases, representing a 38% reduction.
Deaths attributed to malaria also fell sharply, from 3,523 in 2024 to just 1,900 in 2025—a 48% decline. In the same age group, fatalities decreased from 893 to zero, underscoring the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
Comprehensive strategies driving progress
Dr. Kargougou emphasized that these gains resulted from a coordinated, multisectoral effort led by President Ibrahim Traoré. Key initiatives included:
- Universal distribution of advanced insecticide-treated mosquito nets: Nearly 15 million upgraded nets—featuring dual impregnation for enhanced resistance—were distributed, aiming for an 80% usage rate nationwide.
- Nationwide free malaria vaccination: Launched in August 2025, the program now covers all 70 health districts, reaching every child at risk.
- Community-led prevention campaigns: Over 33,000 volunteers and 7,000 health workers traversed urban and rural areas—even in high-risk zones—to promote preventive behaviors like net usage and early care-seeking.
The minister underscored the critical role of behavioral change and social mobilization in sustaining these results. Local leaders, religious figures, and media played a pivotal role in driving adoption of preventive measures, transforming tools like mosquito nets and vaccines into everyday practices.
A call to collective action
While celebrating the progress, Dr. Kargougou urged all stakeholders—government bodies, civil society, health partners, and communities—to intensify efforts. He stressed that eliminating malaria by 2030 requires:
- Sustained funding and policy support.
- Strengthened sanitation and environmental management.
- Ongoing community engagement to maintain high coverage of preventive measures.
«Together, we have proven that malaria can be significantly reduced. Together, we will eliminate it in Burkina Faso by 2030.» — Dr. Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou
