Ministers of Health from African countries burdened with the highest malaria rates committed today to intensified efforts to eradicate fatalities from the disease. They vowed to address the menace of malaria sustainably and equitably across the African region, which accounts for a staggering 95% of malaria-related deaths globally.
Gathered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the Ministers ratified a declaration pledging to provide robust leadership and increased domestic financing for malaria control programs. Their commitments extend to bolstering data technology, implementing the latest technical guidance, and enhancing malaria control efforts at both national and sub-national levels.
The declaration signifies a crucial turning point in the fight against malaria, particularly in Africa, which bears the heaviest burden of the disease globally. With over 70% of the global malaria incidence concentrated in 11 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Uganda, establishing robust malaria responses in these nations is imperative for achieving zero malaria deaths.
The conference, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Cameroon, convened Ministers of Health alongside global malaria stakeholders to review progress and challenges, discuss mitigation strategies and funding, and establish a roadmap for increased political commitment and societal engagement in malaria control.
Hon Manaouda Malachie, Minister for Health of Cameroon, stated, “This declaration reflects our shared commitment as nations and partners to protect our people from the devastating consequences of malaria. We will work together to ensure that this commitment is translated into action and impact.”
Despite significant progress against malaria in recent decades, global efforts have stagnated since 2017, exacerbated by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, drug resistance, and insufficient funding. The African region, home to 11 countries carrying 70% of the global malaria burden, witnessed a rise in cases, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of global deaths in 2022.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the need for political leadership and a broad coalition of partners to reverse this trend, stating, “With political leadership, country ownership, and the commitment of a broad coalition of partners, we can change this story for families and communities across Africa.”
To accelerate malaria reduction efforts, WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria launched the “High burden to high impact” approach in 2018, focusing on political will, strategic information, better guidance, policies, and a coordinated national malaria response.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, underscored the importance of renewed urgency and commitment, stating, “With renewed urgency and commitment, we can accelerate progress towards a future free of malaria.”
Dr Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, emphasized the significance of this declaration, stating, “If we are able to make significant reductions to malaria case numbers and deaths in these High Burden High Impact countries, we will be far closer to eliminating this disease globally.”
While progress against malaria has been made in some regions, overall progress has stalled since 2017. Biological threats and climate change further exacerbate the malaria challenge. However, with collaborative efforts and the implementation of comprehensive action plans, it is possible to lower malaria case incidence and reduce mortality rates significantly in these high-burden countries, thereby minimizing the global threat posed by malaria.
To put malaria progress back on track, WHO recommends robust commitment to malaria responses, increased funding, science-driven approaches, urgent action on climate change, research, innovation, and strong partnerships for coordinated responses. Addressing delays in malaria program implementation is also paramount.