Burkina Faso records major decline in malaria cases and deaths in 2025

Burkina Faso has reached a significant milestone in its fight against malaria, a disease the nation aims to eradicate by 2030. Recent data from 2025 shows a historic decrease in both infections and fatalities. Dr Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, the Minister of Health, presented these findings during a media briefing in Ouagadougou.

Statistics reveal that malaria cases in Burkina Faso dropped from 10,805,000 in 2024 to 7,329,000 in 2025, representing a 32% decrease. The impact was even more pronounced among children under the age of five, where cases fell by more than 1,900,000, a reduction of approximately 38%.

Mortality rates have also seen a dramatic improvement. Deaths linked to the disease fell from 3,523 in 2024 to 1,900 in 2025, marking a 48% decline. The Minister of Health also highlighted a significant reduction in fatalities among children under five, with 893 fewer deaths recorded in 2025.

According to Dr Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, the country’s objective is clear: “Eliminate malaria by the year 2030.” He stated, “To reach this goal, we must stay the course, improve environmental sanitation, and intensify high-impact interventions such as malaria vaccination, the use of bed nets, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention. We must also strengthen communication to drive behavioral change, solidify community involvement, and ensure consistent funding.“

The Minister noted that these achievements are the result of a deliberate political strategy led by the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. This vision places equitable healthcare and public protection at the center of government action. These results also reflect the steady dedication of the government and the collective efforts of national stakeholders and international partners.

Dr Kargougou explained that the establishment of the National Multisectoral Committee for the Fight Against Malaria (CONAMEP) has improved national coordination. It operates on the belief that malaria elimination requires active community participation and a multi-sector approach.

“The national campaign for the free distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets resulted in the delivery of nearly 15 million latest-generation dual-insecticide nets. Our goal is to achieve a usage rate of at least 80%. These new nets have proven to be more effective against insecticide resistance compared to previous models used in our country,” he noted.

Furthermore, more than 33,000 community volunteers and 7,000 health workers traveled across cities and rural villages, including areas facing security challenges, to ensure all households received protection. This grassroots approach has fostered a sense of collective responsibility and community ownership.

The Minister also pointed out that the nationwide expansion of free malaria vaccination, which became effective on August 14, 2025, across all 70 health districts, represents a landmark achievement for Burkina Faso.

Dr Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou believes these historic results stem from a widespread understanding that the fight against malaria is a battle of social adoption and behavior. “Community mobilization and communication have been central to our strategy. Information campaigns tailored to local contexts, the involvement of religious and traditional leaders, and media engagement have turned prevention tools into daily habits, such as sleeping under nets, vaccinating children, and seeking prompt medical care for fevers,” he said.

In conclusion, the Minister urged all stakeholders to maintain this momentum to meet the challenge of total elimination. “We call upon local authorities, civil society, technical and financial partners, and the general population to continue this drive. Together, we have shown that we can significantly push back malaria. Together, we will eliminate it in Burkina Faso,” he declared.