Brazil reaches historic figures in the reduction of malaria cases
Brazil has achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against malaria by recording 118,037 cases during the year 2025. This figure represents a 15% decrease compared to the previous period, marking the lowest level reported in the country since 1978, according to official data from the Ministry of Health.
The positive impact is also reflected in the reduction of mortality and disease severity. Deaths decreased by 30%, going from 56 in 2024 to 39 in 2025, while severe cases experienced a drop of nearly 31%.
The key: innovation in treatment
Health authorities attribute this success to the implementation of tafenoquine in the public health system. This drug, introduced in 2024, stands out for being a single-dose therapy that effectively prevents relapses.
Malaria can remain latent in the patient’s liver, causing new episodes months later without the need for an additional bite. Tafenoquine attacks these latent forms, breaking the disease cycle.
As of June 2026, nearly 34,000 people had been treated with this medication, including approximately 4,000 patients in indigenous communities. It should be noted that the highest incidence of the disease in Brazilian territory is concentrated in the Amazon region, covering states such as Amazonas, Acre, Roraima, and Pará, among others.
Global effort against infectious diseases
Internationally, the fight against malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis is receiving a new boost. The Government of Spain has announced an investment of 145 million euros for the 2026-2028 period, which represents a 10% increase compared to the previous allocation.
The announcement was made within the framework of the “Seville for Action” platform and the IV International Conference on Financing for Development. The President of the Spanish Government highlighted the importance of this multilateral commitment in the face of global challenges:
- Commitment: Investment earmarked for the 2026-2028 triennium.
- Focus: Coordinated fight against malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis.
- Vision: Strengthening international cooperation as the only way to solve global health problems.
With these actions, both at a national level in Brazil with the adoption of new technologies, and globally with the increase in funding, the international community seeks to curb the impact of these diseases which, according to recent reports, continue to represent a large-scale health challenge.
