'Despite sustained interventions, malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Zambia. There has been commendable progress — including a reduction in national malaria cases from an estimated 11.5 million in 2023 to 9.5 million in 2024, a 24% decline in incidence, and a 40% reduction in mortality rates — the disease remains endemic across the country and particularly affects children under five and pregnant women.'