​Koketso Maraba
 
Malaria cases in Gauteng dropped by 22% in 2024 compared to the previous year, 2023, a promising development in the province's ongoing battle against this potentially deadly disease. 
Although Gauteng is classified as a non-endemic region, it continues to record a significant number of malaria cases, even surpassing some malaria-endemic provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal.
Between January and December 2024, the province reported 890 confirmed malaria cases and 11 deaths. Of these, 72% were men, highlighting a clear gender difference in vulnerability and exposure. While malaria is often associated with rural areas, Gauteng's urban metros are increasingly becoming hotspots. Johannesburg led the statistics with 356 cases, followed by Ekurhuleni (231), Tshwane (172), West Rand (108), and Sedibeng (23).
Many of these cases are imported, meaning they are brought into Gauteng by people who have travelled to malaria-endemic areas like Limpopo and Mpumalanga or neighbouring countries. 
In response, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH)  has made malaria prevention tablets, such as doxycycline, freely available at all public health facilities. These tablets should be taken one day before travel to a Malaria area, every day while there, and for four weeks after returning.
To help stop local spread, the GDoH also focuses strongly on educating communities. The department teaches residents how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by draining standing water, covering water containers, and improving sanitation around their homes. It also encourages regular community clean-up campaigns to reduce open water collections where mosquitoes breed. These efforts aim to reduce the number of mosquitoes and protect residents from being bitten.
In addition, Malaria treatment is widely accessible in Gauteng. All public health facilities are equipped to test and treat malaria. In high-risk areas, stock levels are monitored monthly to ensure medicine availability. 
As travel habits and climate conditions continue to change, the risk of Malaria spreading increases. Gauteng's efforts show the importance of being alert, preventing mosquito bites, and ensuring quick treatment to protect the health of its people.