On World Malaria Day 2020, the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA) joins WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria in promoting “Zero malaria starts with me”, a grassroots campaign that aims to keep malaria high on the political agenda, mobilize additional resources, and empower communities to take ownership of malaria prevention and care.

Between 2000 and 2014, the number of malaria-related deaths fell by 40% worldwide, from an estimated 743 000 to 446 000.

But in recent years, progress has ground to a standstill. According to WHO’s World Malaria Report 2019, there were no global gains in reducing new infections over the period 2014 to 2018. And nearly as many people died from malaria in 2018 as the year before.

Urgent action is needed to get back on track, and it starts with you!

Key Messages

  • Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female anopheles’ mosquitoes
  • While progress against malaria has been significant, too many people continue to suffer from and die from this preventable and treatable disease
  • In 2018, there were 228 million cases and 405,000 deaths from malaria, with Africa accounting for 94% of all deaths. Pregnant women and children under age 5 are most at risk. In 2018, children under 5 accounted for 67% of all malaria deaths worldwide. A child still dies every two minutes from malaria.
  • The fight against malaria is one of the biggest public health successes of the 21st century. Global malaria death rates have dropped by 60% since 2000 – translating to millions of lives saved.
  • But after years of steady declines, the number of malaria cases is on the rise – and the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to further derail hard-won gains.
  • Funding has plateaued and progress has stalled, risking a resurgence of the disease and loss of hard-fought gains.
  • In addition to bearing the heaviest burden of malaria, the world’s most vulnerable populations are also at risk of being hit the hardest by a pandemic such as COVID-19, as they are often last in line to receive appropriate testing and treatment for emerging diseases
  • COVID-19 reminds us of the importance of investing in robust health and surveillance systems to protect and advance progress against existing infectious diseases like malaria and be prepared to effectively address new outbreaks like COVID-19. Health system quality is strongly correlated with malaria progress across the spectrum of malaria endemicity.
  • Increased malaria transmission resulting from overburdened health systems could lead to a spike in cases and deaths in countries that are approaching zero malaria cases. Without upholding commitments to end malaria, we risk losing the major gains we have made towards malaria elimination and the health and well-being of millions of people infected with a life-threatening disease
  • Every dollar invested in the fight against malaria helps build stronger and more resilient health systems, as these are central to combatting existing threats like malaria and emerging ones like COVID-19
  • More than ever, we must unite to protect our hard-won gains against malaria and effectively address existing and emerging threats to global public health
  • The Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa continue to advance progress made against malaria. We call on countries, partners to uphold progress and commitments made in the global fight to end malaria

Social Media Messages

  • #Malaria remains a major public health challenge in the world, especially in Africa. The Africa Region continues to bear 93% of malaria cases and 94% of #malaria deaths worldwide #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • After years of steady decline, #malaria is on the rise, this is unacceptable. On #WorldMalariaDay we are reminded of the need to increase investment #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • The damage inflicted by #malaria extends far beyond loss of life: #malaria takes a heavy toll on health systems, sapping productivity and eroding economic growth #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • The decisions we make today will determine whether we #EliminateMalaria or see a resurgence of this deadly disease. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe #WorldMalariaDay
  • Prevention is a vital part of #malaria control and it involves the use of Long Lasting Insecticide treated Net (LLIN) and the use of indoor residual spraying. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of #malaria reduces disease, #malaria transmission and prevents deaths. Get diagnosed and treated by a qualified physician when symptoms are noticed #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • Public-Private partnership is crucial to spur the reduction of mosquito population and #EliminateMalaria. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe #WorldMalariaDay
  • Investing in the prevention of #malaria will yield a good business investment; More people will report to work, work efficiently, be more productive and generate a huge revenue for the company #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • The private sector could play a vital role in mobilizing domestic resources, capabilities and innovative ideas towards eliminating #malaria in Africa. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • There is a need to leverage on private sector resources, capabilities and innovation to support government effort in advancing health outcomes such as eliminating mosquito-borne diseases. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • Private sector could reduce the burden of #malaria through work place initiatives, product and service innovation, and investment. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • On this #WorldMalariaDay, let us aim to #EndMalaria, this will increase school attendance, boost worker productivity and significantly lower out-of-pocket cost for treatment. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • There is a strong rationale for the private sector to play a role in shaping the health markets in Africa and in particular #malaria with direct impact on the workforce. #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • More than ever, we must unite to protect our hard-won gains against #malaria and effectively address existing and emerging threats to global public health #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • The #COVID-19 like #malaria, reminds us of the importance of prioritizing health and allocating financial and human resources for addressing the need of the vulnerable #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • People vulnerable to #COVID-19 including those living with #malaria must be protected and continue to have access to treatment and care #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • In order to #EndMalaria and other deadly diseases, we must urgently invest in developing and expanding access to transformative life-saving tools and innovations #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe
  • #Malaria is increasingly a disease of poverty and inequity, with the most vulnerable at greatest risk of dying from a mosquito bite – particularly pregnant women and children under five in sub-Saharan Africa #WorldMalariaDay
  • Efforts to fight malaria have been a hallmark of global cooperation of the 21st century. On #WorldMalariaDay let us accelerate efforts to #EndMalaria
  • #Diseases don’t respect borders. By working together, we can #EndMalaria and overcome new threats to global public health such as #COVID-19
  • On this #WorldMalariaDay we want to call on investment in strong health systems which are our first line of defense against existing and emerging diseases
  • Healthcare workers on the frontlines of #malaria elimination efforts are vital in the fight against outbreaks like #COVID-19. On #WorldMalariaDay its important to protect and equip health workers
  • We must continue protecting and saving those most vulnerable – pregnant women and children under five in malaria affected countries – with life-saving malaria tools, and prioritize safe delivery of these essential interventions #WorldMalariaDay

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