Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria convened today in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to pledge accelerated action towards ending deaths caused by the disease. This commitment comes amidst the backdrop of Africa bearing 95% of global malaria deaths.
The gathering saw the signing of a declaration by the Ministers, vowing to provide robust leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programs. Additionally, they pledged to invest in data technology, adhere to the latest technical guidance, and bolster efforts at both national and sub-national levels.
Moreover, the Ministers committed to augmenting health sector investments to strengthen infrastructure, personnel, and program implementation. They also emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and forging partnerships for funding, research, and innovation. The declaration underscored their resolute commitment to accelerating the reduction of malaria mortality and ensuring mutual accountability among nations.
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The conference, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Cameroon, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organizations, and other key actors.
With four primary objectives, the ministerial conference aimed to review progress and challenges in achieving WHO global malaria strategy targets, discuss mitigation strategies and funding, agree on effective responses for accelerated malaria mortality reduction in Africa, and establish a roadmap for heightened political commitment and societal engagement with clear accountability mechanisms.
Hon Manaouda Malachie, Minister for Health of Cameroon, affirmed the collective commitment to safeguarding people from malaria’s devastating consequences, emphasizing the translation of this commitment into tangible action and impact.
The African region hosts 11 countries that carry about 70% of the global malaria burden. Progress against malaria in these countries has stagnated since 2017 due to various factors including humanitarian crises, limited access to quality health services, climate change, gender-related barriers, and biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance. Insufficient funding globally exacerbates the challenge, with only half of the required budget available for malaria response in 2022.
Globally, the number of malaria cases surged in 2022 compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, with the African region bearing the brunt, accounting for 94% of global cases and 95% of global deaths.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the need for political leadership, country ownership, and broad coalition commitment to reverse the current trajectory and bring about positive change in malaria control efforts across Africa.
In 2018, WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria initiated the “High burden to high impact” approach to accelerate progress in heavily affected malaria countries. Today’s declaration aligns with this approach, focusing on political will, strategic information, guidance, policies, and a coordinated national malaria response.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, welcomed the ministerial declaration as a strong demonstration of political will to alleviate the burden of malaria in the region. She stressed the urgency and commitment required to accelerate progress towards a malaria-free future.
To reclaim momentum in malaria control, WHO advocates for unwavering commitment at all levels, increased domestic and international funding, data-driven responses, urgent action on climate change’s health impacts, research and innovation, and robust partnerships for coordinated responses. Addressing delays in malaria program implementation also remains a priority.
By: Moses Desire Kouyo- Broadcast Journalist
