Leaders from seven African nations have gathered in Nairobi to strategise on securing the estimated $6.3 billion needed annually to sustain and expand malaria control efforts.
The 2025 End Malaria Councils and Funds Chairs Meeting aims to advocate for the full replenishment of the Global Fund, a key player in the fight against malaria, amid growing concerns about funding shortages.
The multi-sectoral meeting, held under the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), brought together representatives from Uganda, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zanzibar. Leaders from the private sector, civil society, and healthcare reaffirmed their commitment to closing the malaria funding gap through domestic resource mobilization.
The meeting focused on accelerating Africa’s progress against malaria by mobilizing commitments for advocacy, action, and resources across various sectors. Leaders cautioned that Africa faces a “perfect storm” that could reverse decades of progress in malaria control, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable financing.
With global donor funding expected to decline, Chris Getonga, Chairman of the End Malaria Council, Kenya, stressed the critical role of domestic resources, particularly from the private sector, in sustaining malaria control efforts and achieving malaria elimination by 2030.
Juliet Kyokunda, Country Director of TechnoServe Uganda, representing the Uganda Malaria Fund, expressed optimism about Uganda’s fight against malaria. “We have hope for a malaria-free future growing stronger every day. Our communities are at the heart of Uganda’s fight against malaria,” she stated. “We are empowering leaders and working together to eliminate malaria.”
Since 2019, the seven countries have launched malaria councils, collectively mobilizing $125 million in cash and in-kind contributions to support ongoing malaria efforts.
Thandile Nxumalo, CEO of Sanlam Investment Management, Eswatini, highlighted the economic toll of malaria. “Malaria affects all of us—causing pain for families, economic losses due to worker absenteeism, and reduced productivity,” she said.
The meeting also served as a platform to review progress, share best practices, and exchange strategies to strengthen malaria elimination efforts across Africa. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up interventions and securing long-term funding to achieve a malaria-free Africa.