Senegal has reached a decisive milestone in the fight against malaria. On the occasion of World Malaria Day, celebrated on April 25, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, through the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP), highlighted encouraging results that bring the country closer to its goal of elimination by 2030.

 

Today, 92.4% of health districts, or 73 out of 79, are now in the pre-elimination phase. This achievement positions Senegal among the most advanced countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the fight against this disease.

 

This progress is based on a continuous improvement in indicators. By 2025, the incidence of malaria had fallen sharply, from 22.8 per 1,000 in 2024 to 12.8 per 1,000. The number of deaths had also been halved, from 314 to 151. Over a longer period, the progress is even more significant: the proportion of malaria among illnesses fell from 35% in 2000 to 1.4% in 2025, while the proportion of deaths related to this disease declined from 29% to 0.7%.

 

These results are the fruit of strategies deployed in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, particularly in terms of prevention, rapid diagnosis and effective management of cases.

 

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Certain areas, such as Touba, Kaolack, Kédougou, Tambacounda, and Kolda, remain hotspots of active transmission, particularly during the rainy season. Furthermore, specific groups, such as nomadic herders, gold miners, and students in Koranic schools (daaras), continue to exhibit heightened vulnerability.

 

Faced with these challenges, health authorities insist on the need for a paradigm shift.

Eliminating malaria will require strengthened community engagement, a multisectoral approach integrating the One Health concept, and increased mobilization of domestic resources. Strengthening the health system, epidemiological surveillance, and addressing the effects of climate change are also key priorities.

 

The theme of this 2026 edition, "Motivated to eliminate malaria: now we can. Now we must", illustrates this desire to accelerate the pace.

 

In this context, a new National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (PSNEP 2026-2030) has been approved. Aligned with WHO guidelines and the regional framework of the West African Health Organization, this plan aims to guarantee universal and equitable access to prevention and treatment interventions.

 

Through this renewed commitment, Senegal intends to transform its performance into lasting achievements and take a decisive step towards a malaria-free future.