Inculcating youths to lead the fight against malaria in the African continent is being entrenched as the African Union steps up effort to end malaria by the year 2030.
In recognition of International Youth Day and youthful exuberance, the continental body is shifting the conversation to how youths can take the lead in the fight against malaria and stomp it out with vibrant approaches.
Malaria steals our future still, as a child dies every 60 seconds in Africa. The lives being cut short are enough and zero malaria is part of the advocacy being implied.
On the 15 August 2022, the African Union Commission, Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development launched its first continental conversation guide on malaria for African youths themed; ‘Strengthening Youth Leadership and Engagement in Policy Dialogue for Malaria Elimination in Africa.’
The department’s Commissioner for Health, H.E. Minata Cessouma says; “I call on the youth to bring this conversation guide into full play by convening dialogues that advance resource mobilisation for malaria control and equitable funding distribution. In this way, the youths in Africa can also carry through our shared imperative as citizens of Africa: to save the lives of Africa’s citizens by rising to the challenges and closing the service delivery gaps.”
Experts say malaria has real effect on the economy especially in countries where it’s endemic, it reduces the GDP by over 1 percent.
According to them, contributing to national development can be vital when malaria has been dealt with, it means that developmental targets will not be threatened.
Securing new forces of financing is really important in the fight against malaria and end it on or before year 2030.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
