By Augustine Kuza, Lafia
Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria yesterday converged on Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon to accelerate action to end deaths from the disease.
According to a press release made available to our correspondent, the Yaoundé conference, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Cameroon, pledged to sustainably and equitably address the threat of malaria in the African region.
The Ministers during the conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, signed a declaration committing to provide stronger leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programmes which accounts for 95% of malaria deaths globally.
The meetings also ensured further investment in data technology; to apply the latest technical guidance in malaria control and elimination; and to enhance malaria control efforts at the national and sub-national levels.
The Ministers further pledged to increase health sector investments to bolster infrastructure, personnel and programme implementation; to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration; and to build partnerships for funding, research and innovation.
In signing the declaration, they expressed their “unwavering commitment to the accelerated reduction of malaria mortality” and “to hold each other and our countries accountable for the commitments outlined in this declaration.” according to the conference.
The ministerial conference has four key aims: review progress and challenges in achieving the targets of the WHO global malaria strategy; discuss mitigation strategies and funding for malaria; agree on effective strategies and responses for accelerated malaria mortality reduction in Africa; and establish a roadmap for increased political commitment and societal engagement in malaria control, with a clear accountability mechanism.
“This declaration reflects our shared commitment as nations and partners to protect our people from the devastating consequences of malaria. We will work together to ensure that this commitment is translated into action and impact,” said Hon Manaouda Malachie, Minister for Health of Cameroon.