On the occasion of World Malaria Day, the World Health Organization calls for revitalized efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination. To date, WHO has certified 45 countries and 1 territory as malaria-free, and many low malaria burden countries are steadily progressing towards elimination. Among the remaining 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 reported fewer than 10 malaria cases in 2023. However, historical experience shows that the gains achieved so far are fragile. "The history of malaria control gives us a stark warning: when vigilance slips, malaria comes roaring back, with devastating consequences for the most vulnerable," emphasized Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "But that same history also reveals the ingredients for success: with determined political commitment, sustained financing, multisectoral collaboration and community mobilization, we can defeat malaria."