Global communications and external engagement advisor at the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Lizz Ntonjira discusses the significance of 2025 in malaria eradication, the role of communicators, African leadership and youth engagement in achieving a malaria-free world.
Why is 2025 a Pivotal Year in the Fight Against Malaria?
The year 2025 marks the halfway point in implementing the WHO Global Malaria Strategy (2016-2030). Why is this year so crucial? Because 2025 serves as a critical checkpoint in the fight against malaria. The WHO strategy aims for a 75 per cent reduction in malaria incidence and mortality compared to 2015 levels. As we approach this milestone, it’s essential to evaluate our progress, identify gaps, and adjust strategies to stay on track for 2030.
Additionally, 2025 is significant due to the Gavi and Global Fund replenishments, which are vital for sustaining global health initiatives. These funding cycles occur amid shifting global aid priorities, economic uncertainties and political instability, making it even more critical to secure resources for malaria control.
This year is also a moment to assess key areas, including:
– Funding: Are resources being allocated effectively and sufficiently?
– Innovation: Are next-generation insecticides, vaccines, and other tools being developed and deployed fast enough?
– Programme Implementation: Are interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying reaching the most vulnerable populations?
– Political Commitment: Are malaria-endemic countries prioritising elimination efforts in their national health agendas?
These questions emphasise the need for the Big Push Against Malaria, a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to accelerate eradication efforts by focusing on high-impact actions over the next five years.
How can communicators contribute to the fight against malaria beyond simply sharing information?
Communicators play a crucial role in shaping public perception, mobilising action and fostering hope. Their work goes beyond information dissemination to crafting narratives that inspire change. They do this through: Raising Awareness: Using traditional and digital media to educate communities on malaria prevention, treatment and control; Combating Misinformation: Addressing false claims with accurate, evidence-based information to prevent the spread of disinformation; Advocating for Change: Amplifying the voices of malaria-affected communities, pushing for increased funding, and holding leaders accountable; Celebrating Successes: Showcasing progress to inspire hope and demonstrate the impact of malaria interventions; Promoting Innovation: Highlighting advancements in malaria control, including new vaccines and insecticides, while addressing concerns or misconceptions.
By strategically engaging stakeholders and the public, communicators can help drive the momentum needed to eliminate malaria.
What were the major takeaways from the RBM Partnership’s recent advocacy and communications workshop?
The RBM Partnership’s Advocacy and Communications Workshop in Kigali was instrumental in shaping future malaria advocacy strategies. The event provided a platform to onboard new partners, align advocacy plans and refine communication strategies.
Key outcomes included: Strengthening accountability measures to ensure greater transparency in malaria interventions; Enhancing funding objectives and exploring new financing opportunities; Increasing youth and civil society engagement to broaden advocacy reach; Collaborative brainstorming for World Malaria Day messaging and activities; Identifying gaps in domestic resource mobilisation and strategies for strengthening funding sources.
The insights gathered from this workshop are now being synthesised into actionable steps, including updates to the RBM communications plan and the sharing of key resources.
What specific actions must African leaders take to accelerate malaria elimination?
African leaders, particularly those from malaria-endemic countries, play a decisive role in driving malaria elimination. Their leadership is critical in prioritising malaria in national health agendas: Ensuring malaria control receives the necessary attention and funding; Strengthening health systems: Investing in robust healthcare infrastructure to deliver prevention, diagnosis and treatment services; Supporting research and development by encouraging innovation in malaria control tools and technologies; Fostering regional global collaboration: Partnering with other nations, international organisations and the private sector to share best practices and resources and ensuring accountability by holding themselves and their governments responsible for achieving malaria control targets.
Through decisive leadership and sustained commitment, African leaders can tip the balance in favour of malaria eradication.
How can young people contribute to the fight against malaria?
Africa’s youth represent a powerful force for change, and their involvement is crucial in eliminating malaria. Young people can make an impact through leveraging Digital Skills: Using social media and online platforms to raise awareness about malaria prevention and treatment; Advocacy and community engagement: Mobilising peers to push for increased malaria funding and political commitment; Innovation and research: Contributing to the development of new malaria control tools and engaging in data collection to improve interventions; Volunteering and fieldwork and participating in malaria control programmes within their communities.
By harnessing their creativity, technological expertise, and passion, young people can be at the forefront of the movement for a malaria-free world.
What is often overlooked in malaria control efforts?
One crucial yet often overlooked aspect is community engagement. Malaria control efforts are most effective when they are community-driven and locally owned. Empowering communities to take an active role in malaria prevention and treatment is essential for long-term success.
Another critical factor is the impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, malaria transmission dynamics are changing. Future malaria control strategies must integrate climate resilience and sustainability.
Ultimately, achieving a malaria-free world requires a collaborative effort involving governments, international organisations, the private sector, communities and youth. Together, we can accelerate progress and create a healthier future for all.
