From Malaria Control to Elimination in Africa: Challenges and Options for Impact of Innovative Medicines – Preparedness for Innovation Advocacy Series

Despite decades of progress, malaria remains one of Africa’s most pressing health challenges, accounting for 96% of global malaria cases and 97% of deaths. Progress has stagnated for several years, and only a few affected countries are today on track to achieve malaria elimination targets.

Decreased funding, biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance, and the growing impact of climate change and extreme weather events are major challenges that threaten gains and progress. Projections show that, without stronger action and investment, Africa could face millions of additional infections and significant economic losses by 2030.

Innovative tools are available, and countries are expanding access to prevention and treatment. However, an urgent and sustained “infrastructural” commitment—at the same time political, technical and financial—is needed to get back on track toward elimination goals. Key ecosystem drivers such as regulatory, scientific and manufacturing capacities are particularly important activators to prioritize.

This Africa-focused event is part of a Preparedness for Innovation Advocacy Series organized by MMV across continents, aimed at positioning innovation as a major driver of malaria elimination and supporting Member States’ commitment to accelerating progress towards malaria elimination, which will be renewed at the 79th World Health Assembly.