In February 2021, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Comic Relief and GSK hosted an online event series exploring how partners across the Africa region have continued to safeguard progress in the fight against malaria despite the global COVID-19 pandemic.

A varied line up of speakers shared success stories and examples of best practice in how to increase political leadership and accountability, use data to drive action, and mobilise community engagement to accelerate progress towards ending malaria in Africa.

Session 1 – Political Leadership and Accountability

Ending malaria will require sustained political will and action to tackle the disease both within and beyond the health sector. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguarding gains and driving progress on malaria across Africa has never been more vital. This varied panel explored how ownership of this challenge lies in the hands of governments most affected by malaria and the grassroots initiatives that play a vital role in fostering accountability and driving forward action.

Message from His Excellency Mr Uhuru Kenyatta CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya

Session video

 
Chaired by broadcaster Henry Bonsu, speakers included:

• Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, CEO, RBM Partnership to End Malaria
• Aleema Shivji, Executive Director of Impact and Investment, Comic Relief
• Bridget Wachira, Director of Global Health, GSK
• Constance Njovu, Regional Coordinator, Isdell:Flowers Cross Border Malaria Initiative
• Jennifer El-Duah, Malaria Youth Leader, RESULTS UK’s Youth Network, Ghana
• Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary, African Leaders Malaria Alliance
• Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General, Rwanda Biomedical Centre

Session 2 – Data for Action

We have made great strides in malaria surveillance and data collection, analysis and use over the past decade. Data is transforming the fight against malaria, leading to smarter, more targeted and timely interventions that drive down malaria cases and save lives. This panel discussion highlighted some of the challenges and success stories on collecting and using quality malaria data across the Africa region. Panellists explored what is needed so that decision makers at all levels have the data they need to ensure malaria policies and programmes have the greatest impact in the places they are needed most.

Learn about the ALMA Scorecard for Accountability and Action.

Message from His Excellency Dr Jakaya Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania

Session video

 
Chaired by Mia Malan, Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, panellists included:

• Dr George Githuka, Malaria Programme Manager, Kenya
• Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary, African Leaders Malaria Alliance
• Dr Monique Murindahabi Ruyange, Sub Regional Network Coordinator for West and Central Africa, RBM Partnership to End Malaria
• Richard Silumbe, Malaria Program Manager at Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Tanzania

Tanzania’s malaria scorecard tool

Session 3 – Community Engagement

Community ownership and buy-in for health interventions are critical, not only to increase community support and participation in malaria interventions but also to build accountability for quality health services at the local level. This interactive session drew on panellists’ expertise in community-based interventions from multiple country contexts in the region. Speakers shared examples of how best to include and empower local communities in malaria programme design, implementation and accountability to improve local health services – particularly for vulnerable and hard to reach groups.

Session video

 
Chaired by Yacine Djibo, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, panellists included:

• Vicky Okine, Executive Director, Alliance for Reproductive Health and Rights
• Dr Koku Awoonor-Williams, former Director of Policy and Planning, Ghana Health Service
• Eastina Taylor, Project Coordinator, On Our Radar, Sierra Leone
• Lilies Njanga, Africa Director, Malaria No More UK

Aminata’s story in Sierra Leone by On Our Radar

Ghana’s community scorecard tool

View Ghana’s community scorecard tool and learn more about how it works.

Draw The Line Against Malaria campaign