The high prevalence of malaria in Africa led to the formation of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), which established the End Malaria Council (EMC) in eight countries. This initiative, launched in February 2021, is a strategic priority for ALMA to intensify efforts in combating malaria at national, regional, and global levels.
The leaders have convened for the 2025 End Malaria Councils and Funds Chairs Meeting to advocate for the full replenishment of the Global Fund—a critical element in the fight against malaria. This aligns with the African Union’s target of achieving a 100% reduction in malaria incidence and mortality by 2030, making 2025 a crucial year for sustaining resources and accelerating progress.
Since launching their councils, the countries of Zambia, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Eswatini, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria have collectively mobilized up to $125 million in cash and kind to support ongoing malaria efforts. During the End Malaria Council’s meeting at the Kigali Summit on Malaria & NTDs, members committed to mobilizing $100 million to accelerate Africa’s progress against malaria through advocacy and action.
Since its inception in 2019, the End Malaria Councils & Funds have engaged over 2,500 companies, reaching more than 100 million people with malaria messaging. Both the private sector and civil society have recognized the significant role of ALMA, with mobilized commitments exceeding $125 million—surpassing the set target in Rwanda.
Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation emphasized the importance of diverse stakeholders working together. “The key is to have governments collaborate with the private sector to increase budgetary allocations for malaria prevention and to seek more private sector support,” she stated.
An analysis revealed that resource limitations for advocacy and action are significant challenges in addressing national malaria strategies. These challenges have been worsened by the recent suspension of U.S. foreign aid funding for 90 days, affecting critical health services, including malaria programs.
Ms. Thandile Nxumalo, CEO of Sanlam Investment Management, Eswatini, and Chair of the country’s End Malaria Fund, highlighted the need for capacity building, sharing best practices, and advocacy among countries. “Malaria impacts all of us, causing pain for families and economic loss due to absenteeism and reduced productivity,” she said.
In addition, Mr. Mthethwa, CEO, of EMF Eswatini shared how the End Malaria Fund Eswatini is driving high-impact malaria funding through strategic partnerships & donor engagements. These engagements he says have opened up an opportunity to get $2.4M from Taiwan & a commitment from India, proving that collaboration is key to ending malaria.
This situation underscored the need for countries to share best practices and learn from each other. The convening aims to review progress, exchange strategies, and strengthen efforts in the fight against malaria.
Hon. Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health, Zanzibar called on shared responsibility, emphasizing everyone’s contribution as vital. He urged for unity in defeating malaria since it affects individuals of all ages, wealth, and gender, necessitating collective action supported by adequate resources.
“Despite the high malaria burden, African governments’ domestic investment remains insufficient, with 70% of funding for malaria on the continent coming from external sources. The resources we mobilize will not be the result of a single individual’s efforts, but a collective achievement. We need to increase domestic funding as well,” Hon. Mazrui stated.
Kenya Malaria’s Case Study
In Kenya, malaria persistence is exacerbated by growing insecticide resistance, particularly in high-prevalence areas around Lake Victoria in western Kenya.
While Kenya has made significant progress in reducing malaria prevalence from 8% in 2015 to 6% in 2023, the disease remains a major public health challenge. In 2022 alone, the country reported an estimated 5 million malaria cases and more than 12,000 deaths.
Chris Getonga, Chairman of the End Malaria Council Kenya, emphasized the urgent need for continued progress otherwise
“Every minute, a child loses their life to malaria. This devastating statistic is a stark wake-up call. We urgently appeal to the private sector to join hands and eradicate this preventable disease,” he stated.
This, combined with a significant funding shortfall estimated at 50% of the resources needed to fully implement the Kenya Malaria Strategic Plan—has hindered national malaria control efforts.
Formed in 2021, Kenya’s EMC has garnered substantial resources, including a $400,000 commitment from SC Johnson in 2022.
These funds enabled the Kenyan EMC to continue supporting key malaria interventions under the National Malaria Control Program, such as bio larviciding efforts using drones in Busia County.
Additionally, $1 million was allocated to support Social Behavior Change Campaigns, establish health clinics at border areas for malaria prevention, and deploy new malaria prevention tools.
Notably, Eng. Leodegar Tenga, EMC Chair, Tanzania, revealed that Tanzania is also making strides in malaria control through targeted bio larvicide use & high-level advocacy, which has earned the country $2M to fight malaria which is a great win for public health.
