African leaders on Friday, 25 September, called for increased financing for malaria control in national budgets and development plans, warning that resource cuts could cause hundreds of thousands of deaths.
"Africa accounts for 94% of all malaria cases worldwide and 95% of deaths caused by the disease. Progress has stalled and the risk of resurgence is growing," said the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) in a statement cited by Lusa.
The organisation identified the main challenges as financing gaps, extreme climate events, rising resistance to insecticides and medicines, and humanitarian crises affecting several countries across the continent.
The appeal was launched on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, during a high-level meeting convened by the President of Botswana and of ALMA, Duma Gideon Boko, in partnership with the African Union Commission and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.
According to studies by ALMA and the organisation Malaria No More UK, a 30% reduction in malaria control financing could result in an additional 146 million cases, approximately 400,000 deaths, and losses of $37 billion in Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
"When investment is sustained, malaria retreats. But when funding declines, malaria intensifies," warned World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, calling for the maintenance of resources directed at combating the disease.
Duma Boko underscored the capacity of African countries to lead malaria elimination efforts, stating that "Africa has the tools, the experience, and the leadership needed to change the trajectory of malaria."
The Botswanan president also advocated for "sustainable financing and collective action" in keeping with the ambition of achieving a "malaria-free future."
During the meeting, participants urged member states to include malaria financing in their respective national budgets, while acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by several African countries.
The Vice-President of Gambia, Muhammad Jallow, highlighted the budgetary constraints of governments and called for stronger international partnerships. "Domestic financing alone cannot sustain the level of investment needed for elimination. That is why we need stronger international partnerships and predictable funding," he said.
Countries Strengthen Cooperation
The need to mobilise resources from multilateral institutions was also raised by the World Bank's Africa Group 1 Executive Director, Zarau Kibwe, who pledged the institution's commitment in negotiations for the IDA22 programme — the 22nd replenishment of the International Development Association.
"As IDA22 negotiations approach, we must make malaria a priority. And we, your ambassadors, will work with you to ensure it is included in the political commitment," Kibwe said.
Among the commitments announced, South Africa pledged to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the Southern African region, while Zimbabwe and Angola committed to local production of bed nets and medicines. Tanzania, for its part, highlighted the development of genetic research in national laboratories to prevent disease transmission through mosquitoes.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=547585
