What does it take to accelerate malaria elimination in Eastern and Southern Africa, and how can diverse sectors collaborate to drive lasting impact?
These were the guiding questions of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria’s Annual Sub-Regional Meeting, held in Lusaka, Zambia, from September 16-19, 2024. The meeting underscored that achieving a malaria-free future hinges on robust collaboration, coordination, and multisectoral efforts. By uniting healthcare professionals, National Malaria Program Managers (NMCPs), policymakers, private sector leaders, and communities, tailored solutions are being developed to tackle the malaria challenges facing the region. The gathering in Lusaka illustrated the power of collective action, with each partner sharing best practices and lessons learned on selected technical areas.
Zambia's Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, opened the meeting by stressing the critical need to address emerging challenges such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and limited resources that threaten malaria elimination initiatives. He referenced the 2023 World Malaria Report, which for the first time acknowledged the link between climate change and malaria, emphasizing how environmental factors can hinder malaria services. Dr. Muchima urged for innovative solutions, prompt actions, and enhanced coordination, particularly in border regions, to guarantee fair access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. He also encouraged health ministries to strengthen healthcare systems, invest in research, and utilize data and technology to refine strategies and enhance malaria response efforts throughout the region.
RBM CEO Dr. Michael Charles underscored that malaria continues to pose a significant global health challenge, particularly affecting children and pregnant women who are the most at risk. The latest WHO report indicates that malaria resulted in over 608,000 deaths in 2022, with 76% of these fatalities occurring in children under five. Dr. Charles pointed out that a 90% reduction in the malaria burden could potentially increase Africa’s GDP by $126.9 billion by 2030. However, he noted that progress has stagnated recently due to a "perfect storm" of challenges, including funding shortages, the effects of climate change, biological threats such as drug resistance, and ongoing conflicts. He stressed that tackling malaria necessitates comprehensive strategies that consider interconnected social, economic, and environmental factors. Dr. Charles also highlighted the importance of RBM’s Country and Regional Support Partner Committee (CRSPC) as a crucial resource for nations to navigate implementation challenges, mobilize resources, update strategic plans, and introduce new tools to combat biological threats.
WHO Country Representative Dr Nathan Bakyaita echoed these concerns, stressing that malaria remains one of the leading health challenges in Africa. Citing statistics from Zambia—where malaria deaths rose to 1,602 in 2023 from 1,342 in 2022—Dr. Bakyaita called for in-depth strategy reviews to address the root causes of malaria, embrace innovation, and align with updated WHO guidance. He emphasised the need to build resilient health systems that can withstand threats like climate change, evolving mosquito behaviour, and pandemics, urging stakeholders to hold hands in their shared mission toward malaria elimination.
National Malaria program managers discussed the evolving threats, including climate change, increasing insecticide and drug resistance, and the spread of new mosquito species. Through presentations, panels, and side meetings, representatives from the region showcased best practices and strategies for overcoming these challenges. Burundi, Ethiopia, and Namibia shared approaches to mitigate insecticide resistance, while Kenya and Malawi detailed their rollout strategies for the malaria vaccine. These exchanges underscored the importance of tailored, country-specific strategy for effectively addressing the region’s malaria challenges.
Partnerships between public and private sectors have enabled NMPs, such as those in Tanzania and Uganda, to mobilise resources and expand access to malaria interventions, especially in rural and underserved areas. These collaborations are vital for broadening the reach of malaria prevention and treatment efforts.
The meeting provided a platform for technical and policy updates from WHO, USAID/PMI, UNICEF, and other partners, highlighting new malaria guidelines, advances in prevention tools, and insights on how climate change is impacting malaria transmission. These updates reinforce the need for adaptable, resilient programs that address emerging challenges and biological threats in the region.
Technical assistance (TA) remains integral to the RBM Partnership’s support framework. As we approach 2025, prioritising TA for countries aiming to secure funding, strengthen strategies, and implement new interventions is critical to further reduce malaria incidence across the region.
The meeting concluded with key outcomes, including an updated funding and technical gap analysis through 2027, a commitment to equity and human rights in malaria intervention access, and the election of regional representatives to the CRSPC Steering Group. These outcomes reflect the meeting’s larger goals of fostering a collaborative framework for malaria elimination and leveraging both public and private support to create a sustainable path forward.
As we push towards a malaria-free future in Eastern and Southern Africa, it is crucial for governments, private sector partners, NGOs, and community leaders to strengthen their support for malaria programs.
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