As politicians, personalities and physicians gather at events around the world linked to World Malaria Day tomorrow, they have good reason to celebrate – but just as many reasons to pause for contemplation as they prepare for the considerable challenges ahead.

Never before has malaria gathered such mainstream attention, money or momentum. Fresh “tools” to prevent and treat the devastating disease are becoming available, and new and revamped organisations to apply them have been backed by unprecedented funding and unparalleled support from the public, private and non-profit sectors.