African leaders are strengthening the fight against malaria

At the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, African leaders called for increased national funding and multisectoral action to eliminate malaria. They stressed the need to institutionalize this funding within national budgets. According to one study, a 30% reduction in funding could lead to 146 million additional cases and 400,000 deaths by 2030.

National malaria elimination councils, which have mobilized over $245 million, were presented as a tool to spur action. Countries were encouraged to include malaria control in their health pacts with the World Bank. Ministers pledged increased cross-border cooperation and local production of mosquito nets.