The fight against malaria in Burkina Faso has reached a pivotal milestone, with the country targeting elimination by 2030. In 2025, the nation achieved an unprecedented reduction in both malaria cases and fatalities, marking a turning point in public health.

groundbreaking progress in malaria control

In 2025, Burkina Faso witnessed a dramatic decline in malaria cases, dropping from 10,805,000 in 2024 to 7,329,000—a 32% reduction. Among children under five, the decline was even more pronounced, with over 1,900,000 fewer cases reported, representing a 38% decrease.

Fatalities also saw a sharp decline, falling from 3,523 in 2024 to 1,900 in 2025—a 48% reduction. For children under five, deaths decreased by 893, underscoring the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

strategic initiatives driving success

Dr. Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Health, emphasized the country’s unwavering commitment to malaria elimination. “Our goal is clear: to eradicate malaria by 2030,” he stated. “To achieve this, we must sustain our efforts, enhance environmental sanitation, scale up high-impact interventions such as malaria vaccination, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and seasonal chemoprevention.”

The minister highlighted the critical role of behavior change communication, community engagement, and sustainable financing in sustaining these gains. “These results are not accidental but the outcome of a deliberate political vision championed by His Excellency President Ibrahim Traoré, who prioritizes equitable healthcare access and population protection,” he added.

multisectoral collaboration fuels progress

The establishment of the National Multisectoral Malaria Control Committee (CONAMEP) has strengthened coordination, reinforcing the belief that eliminating malaria requires a unified, multisectoral approach and active community participation.

One of the standout initiatives was the nationwide distribution of over 15 million next-generation dual-insecticide-treated mosquito nets, designed to combat insecticide resistance. The campaign aimed for at least 80% usage rates, significantly enhancing protection across the country.

More than 33,000 community volunteers and 7,000 health workers traversed urban and rural areas—including high-risk zones—to ensure households had access to protective measures. Their efforts fostered community ownership and collective responsibility, further solidifying prevention practices.

vaccination and community engagement at the forefront

Burkina Faso’s decision to expand free malaria vaccination nationwide in August 2025 was another landmark achievement. The program, rolled out across all 70 health districts, has become a cornerstone of the country’s malaria elimination strategy.

Minister Kargougou stressed that the fight against malaria hinges on behavioral change and social commitment. “Community mobilization and targeted communication have been central to our strategy.” He pointed to tailored local campaigns, the involvement of community and religious leaders, and grassroots sensitization as key drivers in turning prevention tools—such as mosquito net usage, child vaccination, and early fever treatment—into everyday practices.

“We urge all stakeholders—local governments, civil society, technical and financial partners, community leaders, media, and the public—to continue and intensify these efforts.” He concluded, “Together, we have proven that significant progress is possible. Together, we will eliminate malaria in Burkina Faso.”