Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Post

In light of the recent World Malaria Day, we invite you to delve into our newest blog post that sheds light on the significant challenges and measures needed to effectively mitigate the effects of malaria in the future. https://bit.ly/4aUzrEy

Last week at #UNGA79 I had a great conversation with Michael Igoe from Devex about the challenges we are facing in #malaria, the work of the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, and how we are thinking about the long term vision of malaria elimination. You can watch our conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e8wnRXvR

Malaria-Free Future: Insights from David Walton, US Global Malaria Coordinator It’s really a thought-provoking conversation with David Walton, the US Global Malaria Coordinator. A broad array of critical themes relevant to achieving a malaria-free future highlighted the center-point of the discussion. David adeptly outlined how the changing geography of malaria, driven by climate change, is altering the epidemiological landscape. As temperature shifts and extreme weather events intensify, malaria transmission shifts malaria transmission zones. 🗝 It is critical that there is an urgent need for a early warning system, a tool that could help predict malaria outbreaks in real-time. This would be particularly beneficial in areas facing unpredictable programmatic challenges, where resources are often scarce, and responses need to be timely and targeted. Walton highlighted that partnerships between governments, international agencies, and private sector players are essential in meeting these challenges. 🌏 🗺 Global health security is another pressing concern in the fight against malaria. Strengthening systems to mitigate disease outbreaks not only protects vulnerable populations but also ensures that global progress isn’t derailed by localized health crises. The importance of research in creating innovative solutions, including vaccine development, which has long been underfunded is critical for achieving time-bound elimination/eradication efforts. 🎠 🎠 There is significant decline of malaria in India in recent years. While tremendous strides have been made, India’s journey towards elimination must continue by leveraging advancements in entomological research, improving surveillance, introducing new tools in diagnosis and drug development. It can be unequivocally emphasized that India’s program must evolve to stay ahead of emerging threats due to climate change, ensuring that the gains made are sustainable. Financing mechanisms, including funding for vaccine reserch and other preventive measures, will be key in maintaining momentum. ⚽ Another important aspect Walton touched upon is the radical transition that takes time—eliminating malaria is a long-term commitment that requires consistent advocacy and flexible programmatic frameworks. Sustainability is a cornerstone of this mission, and India, with its regional partnerships and increasing involvement in global health forums, is well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from this global fight. 🥁 The conversation highlighted the need for continued advocacy, funding, and innovation. Strengthening initiatives in India, in particular, will require not just maintaining the gains made but proactively preparing for future challenges through a combination of advanced research, robust health infrastructure, and sustained political will.

*World Mosquito Day* The Day is celebrated on *August 20th every year* to *commemorate the discovery by British doctor Sir Ronald Ross in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.*  Ross's discovery was the first time a doctor had established a connection between mosquitoes and malaria, and it helped revolutionize the understanding of the disease. Theme: *"Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world"* *#worldmosquitoday* *#preventmalaria* *#diseasecontrol* *#MJCAS*

Bjorn, yes, "we fixed malaria in" North America and Europe and surely you must know how, for a lot less than $1.1 billion. We "fixed" it with DDT, virtually non-toxic to humans, but that killed the mosquitoes that carried it. We need to re-evaluate Silent Spring for the chemophobia it caused and to read "Malaria and the DDT Story" by Tren & Bate 2001 IET. If we can manage more toxic pesticides to protect endangered butterflies, as we do today in the US, we can surely manage DDT to protect raptor eggs, and save 600,000 lives, mostly children and mostly in Africa. The raptors in Africa are heathy, but the children? Not so much.

Regional collaboration has been the driving force behind a significant reduction in malaria and tuberculosis cases in the East African Community (EAC) over the last decade. According to PS Health Mary Muthoni, the EAC Health Sectoral Council has achieved a remarkable 35% reduction in malaria and 25% in tuberculosis thanks to the joint effort of member states. This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration and highlights the potential for impactful change when nations work together towards a common goal. Let us continue to prioritize regional cooperation to achieve even greater successes in the future. #EAC #HealthSector #Collaboration #MalariaReduction #TuberculosisReduction

As we look ahead to #WorldMalariaDay on April 25, we are reflecting on the importance of #HealthInformationSystems to provide countries with the quality data they need to make informed decisions in the fight against malaria. Check out this clip from last year's conversation with CHISU leadership about our malaria work! Watch the full conversation: https://lnkd.in/gSDUcBcr

The world’s most dangerous creature = 🦟 Since the beginning PMI has partnered with local leaders, governments, and institutions to #EndMalaria. Now, on #WorldMosquitoDay, we are expanding this effort, recognizing that local knowledge and expertise are crucial for addressing the complex challenges posed by malaria and ensuring the success and sustainability of malaria control and elimination efforts. https://lnkd.in/eatVhw7N

The world’s most dangerous creature = 🦟 Since the beginning PMI has partnered with local leaders, governments, and institutions to #EndMalaria. Now, on #WorldMosquitoDay, we are expanding this effort, recognizing that local knowledge and expertise are crucial for addressing the complex challenges posed by malaria and ensuring the success and sustainability of malaria control and elimination efforts. https://lnkd.in/eatVhw7N

Today, on World Malaria Day, let's shine a spotlight on the fight against this ancient yet persistent disease. Did you know that malaria still threatens half of the world's population, with over 200 million cases reported each year? Despite progress, it remains a significant public health challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where children under five and pregnant women are most at risk. Today reminds us of our collective responsibility to end malaria for good. From innovative mosquito control methods to improved access to diagnostics and treatment, there's much we can do to make a difference. Let's join forces to #EndMalaria and create a healthier, more equitable world for all. #WorldMalariaDay #HealthForAll #Educate #AfriPharm #WorldMalariaDay2024