London Prepares for More Malaria Cases this Summer

The latest provisional data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show an increase in travel-associated malaria cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, exceeding the levels seen in recent years.

As of June 10, 2025, the UKHSA data indicate that imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels in the UK, despite a slight decrease in diagnoses, from 2,106 in 2023 to 1,812 in 2024.

Most cases were reported during peak summer travel months between July and October.

The World Health Organization's latest malaria report estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 related fatalities worldwide in 2023.

The WHO African Region bears the heaviest burden of malaria disease, with Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania being among the countries most affected.

Dr Diana Ayoola Mabayoje, co-founder of African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI), commented in a media release, 'Our focus is on community engagement and outreach, and we will be targeting African communities in London ahead of summer travel.'

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease, but it is almost entirely preventable when antimalarial tablets are taken correctly.

Furthermore, two malaria vaccines are now offered in specific countries, such as in Africa.