Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.

World Malaria Day is a powerful global moment to reflect on the progress, renew commitment, and accelerate action to end malaria - one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases. For Eswatini, it is also a moment to reaffirm a clear national ambition: to eliminate malaria by 2028. 

In 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Eswatini, government and its partners are behind the global campaign: "Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must." The theme is both a statement of confidence and a call-to-action to seize the opportunity; protecting lives today while investing in a malaria-free future.

Globally, the fight against malaria has delivered encouraging results. Since 2000, 2.3 billion malaria cases and 14 million deaths have been averted worldwide. To date, 47 countries have been certified malaria-free including two in 2024 and three in 2025 while 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases in 2024 alone. Eswatini is among the countries leading the global momentum, with elimination firmly within reach.

Yet progress remains uneven. Across the African Region, malaria continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year, with the heaviest toll falling on young children. These deaths are preventable, underscoring the urgent need for sustained political commitment, adequate financing and strong health systems.

Amid this broader challenge, Eswatini stands out as one of Africa's most promising success stories. Over the past decade, the country has reduced malaria transmission to very low levels, transforming what was once a widespread public health crisis into a focused elimination effort. In many areas, local transmission has been interrupted, and significant proportion of reported cases are now imported. This is a testament to progress, but also a reminder that vigilance remains essential.

This success has been made possible through strong national leadership, effective coordination by the National Malaria Programme, and the tireless dedication of health workers at every level. Surveillance systems now ensure that nearly every case is detected, investigated, and responded to with speed. Meanwhile, vector control measures including indoor residual spraying continue to protect communities, and timely diagnosis and effective treatment remain widely accessible.

Dr. Susan Tembo, WHO Representative to Eswatini, reinforces the path forward:

"As we move forward, five priorities will remain critical: sustaining national leadership and domestic investment; ensuring that decisions are driven by high-quality data and surveillance; strengthening cross-border collaboration; integrating malaria services within primary health care and community-based services; and fostering a whole-of-society approach that engages all sectors and communities. The World Health Organization remains fully committed to supporting the Government and people of Eswatini as you take these final steps towards elimination. Let us continue to act with urgency, unity, and determination, so that future generations in this country can live free from the burden of malaria."

This year's World Malaria Day commemoration included a dialogue with parliamentarians, aimed at strengthening political ownership and empowering leaders to champion malaria elimination within their constituencies. Ending malaria in Eswatini will require a collective effort from communities, policymakers, and development alike to ensure sustained financing and accountability.

WHO continues to support Eswatini through strategic leadership, policy guidance and technical assistance to the National Malaria Program. It also collaborates with stakeholders like the End Malaria Fund, a special initiative commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III to mobilize domestic resources and strengthen private-sector engagement in the fight against malaria. As Eswatini moves closer to elimination, sustained investment, strong partnerships, and collective action will be critical to protecting gains made and achieving a malaria-free future.