In 2015, the Heads of State and Government from Africa pledged to eliminate malaria from our continent by 2030, setting an ambitious but essential goal for public health, and economic and sustainable development.
The African Union's Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, Tuberculosis, and eliminate Malaria by 2030 provides a clear roadmap towards this goal. However, Africa remains critically off-track in meeting its malaria commitments. With only five years left, we must change the story with a big push to deliver a malaria free Africa.
The malaria burden in Africa is rising
The burden of malaria in Africa remains unacceptably high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, there were approximately 246 million malaria cases and 569,000 deaths with 76% of the deaths occurring in children under five.
Malaria Elimination in Africa is Facing a Perfect Storm of Threats
The fight against malaria faces a perfect storm threatening to disrupt essential, life-saving malaria services. Significant financial shortfalls, the impact of climate change and severe weather events, humanitarian crises and biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance are compounding our challenges.
Climate change and severe weather events is increasing the burden of malaria in Africa
Severe weather events, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures, have been linked to malaria upsurges across the continent. An example is the effect of recent cyclones in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Widespread infrastructure damage resulting in mass population displacement and disrupted healthcare access, together with proliferation of stagnant water from extensive flooding resulted in an increase in the malaria burden. Beyond cyclones, extreme weather events such as flooding and droughts are altering malaria transmission patterns in many parts of Africa. Rising temperatures and increased rainfall, increase populations at risk of malaria and enable transmission in previously malaria-free areas in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda. The impact of changing climate extends beyond malaria, it affects agriculture, food security, environment, and economic stability, slowing development progress. We, the Heads of State and Government of Africa must lead and prioritize efforts to develop and oversee the deployment of robust, multi-sectoral responses to climate change spanning all levels from local to continental. We must address malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases and health within our Nationally Determined Contributions which guide us in adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Malaria elimination in Africa is possible
Malaria elimination in Africa is possible. Since 2019, Algeria, Cabo Verdo and Egypt have been certified as malaria-free by WHO while Botswana, Comoros, eSwatini, Sao Tome and Principle, and South Africa are on the path to elimination. Other countries including Ethiopia, Gambia and Ghana successfully met the 2020 target of reducing malaria incidence and mortality by at least 40%. Experiences from these countries show that with the right investments, political will, and community engagement, malaria can be drastically reduced and eliminated. However, achieving this requires adequate and sustained financing, strategic planning, and bold leadership. In addition to focus on burden-reduction in high burden countries, we must support low burden and countries approaching elimination through the last mile.
Sustained and Increased Financing
Securing the resources necessary to combat malaria and fill these critical gaps with renewed energy is imperative. Africa must urgently rise to the challenge of declining development assistance by mobilizing our own domestic resources, increasing our budget allocation for health. We must also scale up innovative financing including through multisectoral End Malaria Councils and Funds, which have raised over US$125 million mainly through private sector investment. We must leverage platforms like World Bank International Development Association and Climate Funding to ensure that our national programmes are fully equipped to drive the malaria agenda forward. The upcoming Global Fund replenishment will also be essential in getting back on track,
The pipeline of innovations to address malaria has never been stronger, and with manufacturing happening on our continent, these tools will not only accelerate malaria elimination but also drive economic growth. In this context, I call on all member states to ratify the African Medicines Agency treaty to ensure that the people of Africa have access to essential medicines and technologies.
We must Change the Story
If we fail to act now, we risk losing the gains made over the last two decades, leading to a public health crisis with severe consequences. The fight against malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease must be reinvigorated with urgency and resolve. African leaders must demonstrate political commitment and increase domestic financing to fully support malaria control efforts. The private sector, technical and funding partners must step up their contributions to ensure essential malaria interventions reach those who need them and accelerate local manufacturing and the introduction of new tools. Additionally, we must embrace innovation and community-driven solutions, strengthen data access and use and ensure high intervention coverage across all affected regions.
As the outgoing and incoming chairs of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, we firmly believe that through collective leadership and bold action, Africa can be rid of malaria. We commit ourselves to the cause of ending malaria because it not only a health priority but also an economic, social, and moral imperative which will move the continent closer to the Africa we Want. The Africa we want is within reach. We can change the story and achieve a malaria free Africa, with enhanced catalytic action, with a big push!
