Synopsis
At a recent forum in Nairobi, African officials committed to sustaining malaria funding through domestic resources as Western donor support declines, emphasizing innovative strategies to tackle the region's malaria burden.Key Takeaways
- Shift towards domestic funding for malaria initiatives.
- Collaboration with private sector is crucial.
- Annual funding need estimated at $6.3 billion.
- Kenya faces a $23-$25 million funding gap.
- Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 94% of global malaria cases.
Nairobi, Feb 5 (NationPress) The funding for malaria initiatives throughout sub-Saharan Africa is set to persist as national governments pivot towards domestic resources to address the financial gaps caused by the sudden withdrawal of aid from Western donors, senior officials stated at a forum in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Organized by the End Malaria Council Kenya and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, the all-day event explored innovative approaches to enhance domestic funding for malaria initiatives across the continent in light of increasing donor fatigue.
Officials and experts highlighted that approximately $6.3 billion is needed yearly to maintain progress in the battle against malaria in Africa, aiming to eradicate the mosquito-borne illness by 2030.
Christopher Getonga, Chairman of the End Malaria Council Kenya, recognized the significant malaria burden in Africa, which has strained public finances and impeded economic advancement.
To close the funding gap for malaria, Getonga urged governments to fortify partnerships with the private sector and seek contributions from local philanthropists while managing available resources efficiently.
"It is essential to collaborate with the private sector, both domestically and internationally, to fill the financing void hindering our malaria combat efforts in Africa," Getonga stated, as reported by Xinhua.
In Kenya, the funding shortfall for malaria management is between $23 million and $25 million, Getonga mentioned, adding that contingency measures are in place to prevent disruptions in the fight against the tropical disease arising from geopolitical instabilities.
Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, Health Minister for Tanzania's Zanzibar, emphasized that proactive leadership, along with strategic collaboration with industry and civil society, would empower African nations to continue their battle against malaria.
He noted that local private sectors could significantly increase the production of vital resources needed to manage malaria transmission and fatalities, including medications, insecticide-treated nets, and vaccines.
The sub-Saharan African region represented 94 percent of the 263 million malaria cases reported globally in 2023, according to the World Health Organization.
