WORLD MALARIA DAY - APRIL 25, 2026
World Malaria Day is observed every April 25th to recognize the global effort to control and eliminate malaria. Established by the World Health Organization, it is a moment for governments, health organizations, civil society, and individuals around the world to reflect on progress made and recognize the work that remains.
This year’s theme, Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must., honors the innovations and investments of previous years with an urgent call to act now.
NOW WE CAN.
Between 2000 and 2024, the number of malaria-endemic countries fell from 108 to 80¹. With the advent of new vaccines, bed nets, malaria control tools, and bio-technology, we have never been better equipped to combat malaria.
NOW WE MUST.
Despite these gains, malaria remains a serious global health challenge, with an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths worldwide in 2024 – a slight increase compared with 2023². The fight against malaria continues to require support as climate change, poverty, and drug/insecticide resistance pose evolving barriers.
WHY MPI?
Our Impact
Since 2020, MPI has funded 59 Community Impact Grant projects across 17 countries, totaling $513,768. These grants support local Rotary projects on the ground: distributing bed nets, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and equipping Community Health Workers who educate families on prevention and provide treatment. In 2025 alone, MPI funded 10 projects in 5 countries, totaling $101,237.
Rotary-Connected
We work with the Rotary network to fund malaria elimination projects of all sizes. Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign contributed to a 99.9% reduction in global polio cases since 1988. We believe that malaria can be combated through a comprehensive Rotarian campaign similar to the Polio Plus campaign.
Community-Led
MPI collaborates with Rotary networks and global health partners to support locally led malaria action. Community Impact Grants are implemented by Rotary clubs and supported by MPI affiliate organizations in malaria-endemic countries.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Your donation fuels our Community Impact Grants Program. These grants support malaria prevention and control projects led by Rotarians in malaria-endemic countries.
Malaria Partners International is a 501(c)(3) public charity operating in Washington State, USA and your gifts are appreciated as well as tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Tax Identification Number 46-1380419.
2026 WORLD MALARIA DAY THEME
Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.
On World Malaria Day 2026, the World Health Organization joins partners to launch the campaign: "Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must." This is a rallying cry to grasp the moment—to protect lives now and fund a malaria-free future.
About World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day is observed each year on April 25 to bring global attention to the fight against malaria. It was established by the World Health Assembly in 2007, building on Africa Malaria Day, which had been commemorated by African governments since 2001. The day serves to highlight the ongoing need for political commitment, sustained funding, and equitable access to malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, “World Malaria Day is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.” Source: World Malaria Day – WHO
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Our Mission: To ignite an international Rotarian campaign to end malaria.
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