WHO’s New Global Malaria Strategy for 2030
The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled an ambitious new operational strategy to accelerate progress against malaria and achieve the disease elimination targets outlined in the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030.
What is global status of Malaria?
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with an estimated 608,000 deaths and 249 million new cases in 2022. Africa bears a disproportionate burden, accounting for 95% of malaria deaths and 94% of cases worldwide. Progress has stalled in recent years, particularly in high-burden countries, due to factors such as:
- Resource constraints
- Humanitarian crises
- Climate change
- Drug and insecticide resistance
Key Elements of the Strategy
The new strategy outlines four strategic objectives:
- Develop norms and standards: Establish a unified technical vision and evidence-based strategies for malaria control.
- Introduce new tools and innovations: Stimulate the development and timely deployment of technologies to augment existing interventions.
- Promote strategic information for impact: Monitor trends, evaluate programs, and identify gaps to inform decision-making at all levels.
- Provide technical leadership: Convene stakeholders, advocate for priority activities, and empower communities to access quality health services.
The strategy is built on three equity-oriented principles:
- Country ownership and leadership
- Resilient health systems
- Equitable access to quality services
Observation
A key focus of the strategy is addressing inequities in access to malaria prevention, detection, and treatment. Vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, refugees, migrants, and indigenous populations are often the most affected. The WHO emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift to:
- Tackle the root causes of the disease
- Prioritize accessibility, efficiency, sustainability, and integration of services
- Ensure consistent access to appropriate tools for all at-risk populations
About World Malaria Day 2024
The theme for World Malaria Day 2024, “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” underscores the importance of equity in the global malaria response. It aligns with the Yaoundé Declaration signed by African health ministers in March 2024, which commits to equitable access to malaria interventions even in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas.
Achieving these targets will require intensified efforts, increased funding, and innovative approaches to expand access to life-saving tools.
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Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024
Category: International / World Current Affairs