The World Health Organization says that despite great progress in treating and preventing malaria in many affected countries over the past decade, a shortage of funds could lead to a resurgence of the disease.
The WHO's new annual report on malaria says global support for the fight against malaria has stalled in the past year after a rapid expansion between 2004 and 2009. The report issued this week says that as a result, the delivery of insecticide-treated mosquito nets delivered to endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa dropped by more than one-half over the past two years -- from 145 million in 2010 to 66 million in 2012.
Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the hardest hit countries in that region. India is the most affected country in Asia.
WHO official Richard Cidulskis says an estimated 1.1 million deaths from malaria have been averted in 10 most affected countries in Africa. He said another 50 countries are on track to reduce malaria incidence by 75 percent by 2015.
But he says a decrease in funds for medication, nets and other means of fighting the disease could lead to its renewed spread.