National Malaria Control Programme- Kenya

Malaria continues to be one of the greatest threats to the future of our continent, claiming countless lives each year, with the majority being children.

Additionally, we are alarmingly off track in meeting the African Union's 2030 elimination target.

However, there is still hope. From Tanzania’s expanded community health initiatives to Botswana’s near-success in elimination, we understand what strategies are effective. To achieve progress, we need bold, united, and well-funded action now.

In this joint piece for , ALMA Chair President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana and H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania remind us that if we reinvest, reimagine, and reignite the fight against this disease.

👉 Read the full article 🔗https://bit.ly/4jNLSWO

BWgovernment
Ikulu Mawasiliano

The WHO African Region continues to shoulder the heaviest burden of malaria.

In 2023, the region accounted for:
🔹 94% of global malaria cases
🔹 95% of global malaria deaths

76% of these deaths were in children under 5.

It’s time to accelerate action to protect those most at risk.

Today, Kenya joins the world in marking under the theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” Let’s renew our commitment to a malaria-free Kenya.

"Africa stands at a critical turning point in the fight against malaria. 40% of current malaria response resources are threatened, calling for renewed urgency, innovation, and leadership.
At the End Malaria Council (EMC), we are committed to mobilising domestic resources and strengthening regional cooperation — because defeating malaria requires a unified, well-resourced front.
This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic and social priority. The choices we make now will define our future.
Let’s reignite commitment, reimagine strategies, and reinvest in African-led solutions. Because zero malaria starts with me. And with us"~ Amb. Antony Okara

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking alongside the Principal Secretary and leaders from the National Malaria Control Program about the critical juncture we face in our fight against malaria. While we have made significant strides, the recent suspension of US funding, creating an estimated 25 billion shilling gap, presents a serious challenge to our national response.
To safeguard our progress, we must strategically reinvest, reimagine our strategies, and reignite our commitment. A crucial element of this renewed approach is the empowerment of the local private sector.
Investing in local manufacturing is more than just achieving self-reliance; it's about building sustainable healthcare ecosystems, fostering economic growth, and ensuring long-term health security within our nation. I am confident that through collaborative efforts and a focus on local capacity building, we can overcome these challenges and continue our journey towards a malaria-free future.
Roneek Vora, Member, End Malaria Council

To end malaria for good, we must reimagine our approach. As Dr Meshack Ndirangu rightly puts it, “We cannot fight 21st-century malaria with 20th-century tools.” Today’s fight demands innovation, integration, and grassroots ownership. That means embedding malaria services into primary health care and community systems, where prevention and treatment reach those who need them most. It means investing in community-led solutions, because real change starts at the grassroots. And it means engaging the private sector with creative financing models like malaria bonds. With rising resistance to drugs and insecticides, and the growing impact of climate change on disease transmission, now is the time to act boldly, collaboratively, and sustainably — all in line with the UHC agenda.