By Doreen Ampofo
THE AFRICAN MEDIA AND MALARIA RESEARCH NETWORK (AMMREN) has called for more investments to meet the WHO target of reducing malaria cases and death in malaria endemic countries by at least 90 percent in 2030. According to AMMREN with just eight (8) years to 2030, the target appears impossible to reach especially with the Covid-19 pandemic which has resulted in the diversion of huge resources to contain its spread.
AMMREN notes that the sudden outbreak of other diseases with public health importance have the potential of diverting needed funds and attention away from existing diseases such as malaria. Figures from the RBM partnership to end malaria show that malaria accounts for 1 in 12 global deaths in children under 5, with the WHO African Region accounting for 96% of global malaria deaths and 95% of cases. In 2020, there were 627,000 malaria deaths globally, a 12% increase over 2019’s 558,000.
The global body has said the malaria fight is at a precarious juncture with the global malaria burden much higher than previously estimated and half the world’s population still at risk of the disease. A statement signed by Executive Secretary of AMMREN, Dr. Charity Binka says the figures should caution the government not to lose focus on the malaria elimination agenda to ensure that the disease is not put on the back burner.
”There should be continuous promotion of preventive and curative tools that are available such as the distribution of long-lasting insecticide nets, indoor residual spraying, larval source management, malaria vaccine, intermittent preventive treatment, seasonal malaria chemoprevention and case management”, the statement noted.
AMMREN is also calling on the media to tell the malaria story and hold governments accountable for the people.
