World Malaria Day will be commemorated on 25th of April 2012, under the theme "Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria".

The 2011 WHO World Malaria Report indicates that the African Region accounts for 81% of the malaria cases that occurred worldwide. Over 90% of the deaths attributable to the disease occur in the Region and 86% of these deaths are among children below five years of age. Pregnant women, people living with HIV and AIDS and victims of disasters are also particularly vulnerable to malaria.