Plus Project’s Post

As I reflect on the 2024 World Malaria Report, released by World Health Organization today, it's a moment to both celebrate progress and confront the challenges that remain. First, let’s celebrate progress: Cape Verde and Egypt are now malaria-free—an incredible achievement made possible by the dedication of their people and governments. Rwanda and India have made impressive strides in reducing malaria cases, and 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟮𝟱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 - up from just 4 countries in 2000. But the global picture remains sobering. 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝟭𝟭 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮. Challenges like insecticide resistance, conflict, climate change, and funding gaps are stalling the progress to #endmalaria. Beyond the numbers and statistics, are people. I’ve witnessed the toll malaria takes - not just on patients but on families. Mothers in hospital wards, unable to work or contribute to their households, sitting by their children battling severe malaria. Their resilience does not falter, but their struggles underline how much more we must do. Here’s how we can bend the curve: ✔️𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀: local, regional, global. RBM Partnership to End Malaria is uniquely positioned to lead this charge.  ✔️𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Health workers are the backbone of the fight, especially women. Malaria elimination starts and ends with them, and their ownership is critical.  ✔️𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 2025 is pivotal with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and The Global Fund replenishments. I’ve seen what resources mean on the ground—a stocked clinic versus an empty one is often the difference between life and death. We have the tools we need— vaccines, next-gen bed nets, and proven interventions—but equitable access requires robust and sustainable funding. This year’s #WMR2024 report also highlights 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿, and for good reason. Women bear the brunt of malaria’s burden, whether as patients during pregnancy, as caregivers for sick children, or as community health champions. They are at the heart of our fight, and they must remain at the centre of our solutions. Zero malaria begins with each of us—me, you, and everyone together. As you reflect on the #WMR2024, consider how we can all contribute collectively to reduce malaria. Download the full World Malaria Report here: https://lnkd.in/d-dKp4Hi Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Joy Phumaphi, Lizz Ntonjira, Barbara Laurenceau, Saira Stewart, David Walton, MD MPH