A high‑level meeting held on the margins of the Seventy‑ninth World Health Assembly brought together global leaders, health ministers, donors, and technical experts to accelerate efforts toward eliminating malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Organized by the African Union Commission and the World Health Organization, with partners including ALMA, DNDi, The END Fund, and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the event underscored the importance of cross‑border collaboration, integrated approaches, and sustained investment.
Malaria continues to affect 282 million people annually, causing around 610,000 deaths, while NTDs impact nearly one billion people worldwide. Global targets for 2030 include a 90% reduction in malaria cases and deaths, elimination of at least one NTD in 100 countries, and malaria elimination in 35 countries. WHO’s Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi highlighted progress made, including 63 countries eliminating at least one NTD and 2.3 billion malaria cases averted since 2000, but warned that gains remain fragile due to weak health systems, drug resistance, climate change, and funding gaps.
Health ministers from Liberia, Senegal, and Tanzania emphasized that diseases do not respect borders, making regional cooperation essential. Countries are working toward a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross‑border collaboration to combat malaria and NTDs, ensuring coordinated surveillance, information sharing, and joint preparedness. Senegal’s Health Minister, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, stressed the importance of national ownership and mobilizing domestic resources to strengthen health sovereignty while ensuring no community is left behind.
Speakers also highlighted the need for integrated health systems and evidence‑based approaches to sustain progress. Dr. Carol Karutu of The END Fund noted that coordinated strategies aligning governments, donors, and partners are essential to prevent reinfection and maintain elimination gains.
Eliminating malaria and NTDs is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.3, while also contributing to poverty reduction, food security, and improved education. WHO and partners reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, investment, and collaboration to achieve a future free of these diseases.
