African Leaders Urge Malaria Funding Renewal
Analysis based on 14 articles · First reported Feb 16, 2026 · Last updated Feb 17, 2026
The stalled progress and declining international funding for malaria in Africa pose a significant risk to public health and economic stability across the continent. A potential resurgence of malaria could lead to substantial GDP losses and increased healthcare burdens, negatively impacting investor confidence in African markets, particularly in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
African Heads of State and Government, at the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing. The 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report, presented by Duma Boko, President of Botswana and Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, revealed 270.8 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths in 2024, warning of a potential resurgence due to stalled progress and declining international funding. Official Development Assistance for health in Africa has decreased by 70% in four years, and the The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria fell short of its $18 billion target. Leaders urged increased domestic resource mobilization, called on partners to honor commitments, and demanded a renewed World Bank Group Malaria Booster Programme. They also highlighted the importance of local manufacturing, with Nigeria leading efforts in local production of antimalarial treatments and nets. The World Health Organization has approved new vaccines and spatial repellents, offering hope amidst the challenges.
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