Achieving the malaria MDG target: Reversing the incidence of malaria 2000-2015.

Abstract

In 2000 malaria was identified as one of the biggest impediments to global development and selected as a critical global target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Target 6c aimed to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria by 2015. This report summarizes the remarkable progress seen on a global and regional level in reversing malaria mortality and incidence since 2000. It introduces malaria and the strategies used to fight the disease outlines progress according to each of the MDG indicators and highlights the main challenges that remain in controlling and eliminating this disease. Between 2000 and 2015 malaria incidence fell by 37% globally and death rates by 60%. However serious bottlenecks remain in providing full access to malaria prevention diagnostic testing and treatment. Progress has been uneven with some countries carrying a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. Fifteen countries -- mainly in sub-Saharan Africa -- account for 80% of malaria cases and 78% of deaths globally. In May 2015 the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030. The strategy aims at a further 90% reduction in global malaria incidence and mortality by 2030. The report notes that these targets can only be achieved with political will country leadership and significantly increased investment.