End Malaria in Africa: Jean Kaseya’s Plan
- ADDIS ABABA — Despite being preventable and curable, malaria continues to disproportionately affect Africa.
- Experts say that blended finance can unlock private capital for malaria-related research and advancement, as well as local manufacturing of therapeutics.
- Every dollar invested in malaria control and elimination generates an estimated $36 return in economic growth.
Africa is actively combating malaria, aiming for elimination by 2040, a critical goal considering the devastating impact of the disease. In 2023, the continent suffered 95% of global malaria deaths. Now, the Africa CDC is spearheading a continental strategy, driving investment in control measures. A malaria-free Africa will unlock economic growth, with every dollar invested potentially yielding a $36 return. Smart investments, policy implementations, and collaboration are key to reaching the goal. Experts are focused on public-private partnerships focused on surveillance and other areas. News Directory 3 reports on the continent’s commitment. Discover what’s next, and see how these collective efforts will reshape Africa.
Africa Aims to Eliminate malaria by 2040
ADDIS ABABA — Despite being preventable and curable, malaria continues to disproportionately affect Africa. In 2023, the continent accounted for about 95% of the 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide, with 76% of those deaths occurring in children under five, according to the World Health Organization.
Experts say that blended finance can unlock private capital for malaria-related research and advancement, as well as local manufacturing of therapeutics. With Africa’s health-care market projected to be worth $259 billion by 2030, policymakers should capitalize on this prospect to create effective public-private partnerships to advance last-mile delivery solutions and improve surveillance and vector control.
Every dollar invested in malaria control and elimination generates an estimated $36 return in economic growth. A malaria-free population is more likely to access education and contribute to socioeconomic development. The disease disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable Africans, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Last year, health ministers from 11 African Union member countries committed to accelerating efforts to reduce deaths from malaria, agreeing that “no one should die from malaria given the tools and systems available.”
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is prepared to help develop a continental strategy for ending malaria in Africa by 2040. By making smart investments, implementing well-targeted policies, and deepening collaboration, officials say all African countries can become malaria-free within a generation.
What’s next
The Africa CDC plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to eliminate malaria across the continent by 2040 through targeted investments and collaborative efforts.