Statement on 2020 World Malaria Day

As the world grapples with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, many wonder when we will be able to “go back to normal". I hear this and reject the notion. The “normal” we once knew has been exposed for what it was: broken.

Lack of access to health care and weak health systems have compromised the prosperity of billions across the globe—a reality we must reckon with as we anticipate the proliferation of COVID-19 across the global South, where health systems are fragile and plagues like malaria remain pervasive. 

We must take every precaution to minimize the impact of COVID-19, sustain hard won gains in global health, and save precious lives.

At the start of the year, the global health community shared a measured optimism. Distribution of the 2 billionth insecticide treated bednet—a key prevention tool that contributed to 7 million lives saved and averted over 1 billion cases of malaria—capped two decades of unprecedented progress following increased political commitment and massive investments toward prevention and treatment interventions.

According to the 2019 World Malaria Report, the world’s malaria burden remained at all-time lows, despite a long, winding road toward progress that saw periods of conflict and other humanitarian emergencies.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic may likely be the most formidable threat faced by global efforts to reduce the burden of malaria. A new modeling analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with PATH, the Malaria Atlas Project, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic may jeopardize the progress achieved and incur devastating humanitarian consequences. 

The analysis shows how a spate of COVID-19 infections threatens to severely disrupt malaria campaigns and routine health services in malaria-affected countries. In a worst-case scenario, malaria-related deaths will double by the end of 2020 (769,000 deaths) should all bed net campaigns be suspended and access to anti-malarials reduced 75% from current levels. This would see a return to mortality figures from 20 years ago—a reversal of gains we cannot accept.

Countries, in coordination with on-the-ground partners, must adapt quickly to accelerate anti-malaria campaigns while COVID-19 cases remain low across Africa. Efforts must also be taken to ensure the uninterrupted production of essential tools such as rapid diagnostic testing kits, long-lasting insecticidal nets, and treatments. By acting early, we have the opportunity to get ahead of the curve and mitigate the number of lives lost from these devastating diseases.

The need to invest in strengthening health systems and build a robust health work force has never felt more urgent. The pandemic has revealed how critical frontline health workers are to addressing public health outbreaks. These unsung heroes often put themselves in harm’s way to provide life-saving services to our most vulnerable communities—it is imperative that we support them with the equipment and resources necessary to fulfill their jobs.

We must unite as one global community to combat our common enemies—the pathogens that threaten our health and prosperity. We are in this together. Let us seize this moment to shape the world as we wish to see it—a “new normal”—one that is more compassionate, more equitable, and more humane.