African Health Ministers Pledge to End Malaria Deaths

Ministers of Health from African countries grappling with the highest burden of malaria have made a steadfast commitment to intensify efforts to eliminate deaths from the disease. Gathering in Yaoundé, Cameroon, they endorsed a declaration aimed at sustainably and equitably addressing the menace of malaria in the African region, which accounts for a staggering 95% of global malaria fatalities.

The declaration encompasses a range of commitments, including providing stronger leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programs, investing in data technology, applying the latest technical guidance in malaria control and elimination, and enhancing malaria control efforts at both national and sub-national levels. Furthermore, the Ministers pledged to bolster health sector investments to reinforce infrastructure, personnel, and program implementation, foster multi-sectoral collaboration, and forge partnerships for funding, research, and innovation.

The conference, co-hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Government of Cameroon, convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organisations, and other key players in the fight against malaria. The four key aims of the ministerial conference were to review progress and challenges in achieving the targets of the WHO global malaria strategy, discuss mitigation strategies and funding for malaria, agree on effective strategies and responses for accelerated malaria mortality reduction in Africa, and establish a roadmap for increased political commitment and societal engagement in malaria control, with a clear accountability mechanism.

Hon Manaouda Malachie, Minister for Health of Cameroon, emphasised the collective commitment of nations and partners to protect communities from the devastating impacts of malaria. He underscored the importance of translating this commitment into tangible action and impact on the ground.

Despite concerted efforts, progress against malaria has stalled in high-burden African countries since 2017, primarily due to various challenges such as humanitarian crises, limited access to quality health services, climate change, and biological threats like insecticide and drug resistance. Additionally, inadequate funding for malaria control globally remains a significant obstacle, with only half of the needed budget available in 2022.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted the urgent need for political leadership, country ownership, and a broad coalition of partners to reverse the trajectory of malaria. He emphasised the importance of the “High burden to high impact” approach, launched in 2018 by WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, which focuses on political will, strategic information, better guidance, and coordinated national malaria responses.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, echoed the sentiment of strong political will demonstrated by the ministerial declaration, underscoring the urgency and commitment required to accelerate progress towards a malaria-free future in Africa.

To regain momentum in the fight against malaria, WHO advocates for robust commitment, increased funding, science-driven responses, urgent action on climate change, research and innovation, and strong partnerships for coordinated responses. Addressing delays in malaria program implementation is also paramount to achieving meaningful progress.

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Source: WHO