By Samira Larbie/Eugenia Otenwaa
On April 28, in Accra, the Ghana News Agency reported the launch of the Coalition of Parliamentarians to End Malaria in Africa (COPEMA). This initiative marks an important advancement in Africa's battle against malaria.
The COPEMA group, comprising legislators from the 11 nations with high malaria burdens and significant impact, aims to enhance cooperation between government officials and national organizations focused on controlling malaria. This initiative also works towards empowering these lawmakers to become more effective advocates against malaria.
The initiative also seeks to confirm and reinforce COPEMA’s framework and strategic blueprint, along with utilizing the platform for malaria prevention efforts.
The World Health Organization’s Malaria Report 2024 indicates that Africa is responsible for 94 percent of worldwide malaria cases and 95 percent of deaths, with 600,000 lives lost in 2023 alone.
Despite years of advancement, this illness has an outsized impact on young children below the age of five and on expectant mothers.
Dr Michael Adekunle, CEO of RBM Partnership to End Malaria, highlighted the severe consequences of malaria during his address at the start of the two-day regional strategic conference and launch. He underscored how this disease poses a significant public health risk to communities.
He stated that parliamentarians have an important part to play in maintaining government accountability and ensuring sufficient funds are allocated for healthcare with particular emphasis on combating malaria.
Dr. Adekunle stated that decreasing the malaria burden by 90 percent by 2030 could boost Africa's gross domestic product by $127 billion, highlighting the battle against the illness as an investment opportunity offering significant financial gains.
Attaining the eradication of malaria throughout the continent necessitates consistent political commitment and synchronized efforts at both national and regional levels, thus the inception of COPEMA.
He stated that COPEMA would consequently tackle the communication gaps regarding malaria issues among politicians, urging them to consider the battle against the disease from a broader perspective than just healthcare.
"We must view the battle against malaria as an integrated effort involving all sectors of society and the entire government, emphasizing problems like uncovered drains filled with still water that act as nurseries for mosquito larvae," stated Dr. Adekunle.
He urged lawmakers to showcase their advocacy and leadership skills to guarantee that resources were gathered for the fight against malaria across the continent.
Dr. Mark Nawaane, who chairs Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, urged fellow legislators to take on responsibilities beyond just making laws, emphasizing the importance of securing internal funding and maintaining malaria as a top national concern.
"Imagine an Africa where not a single child perishes from a mosquito bite. That vision is attainable," he said additionally.
Ms. Santa Okot, a member of COPEMA Uganda, addressing the aims of the gathering, highlighted that recent disturbances in global malaria initiatives have rendered many individuals susceptible. She warned that estimates suggest up to 1.8 million potential malaria fatalities in 2025 unless immediate steps are implemented.
She stated that Africa required stronger political commitment and leadership for eradicating malaria, enhanced internal funding, better alignment of policies with practical technical aspects, and a more unified strategy for controlling malaria.
"To accomplish this, parliamentarians must convey a powerful and persuasive message to their heads of state, emphasizing that malaria is the deadliest disease in the nation and across Africa as a whole," stated Ms. OKOT.
If COPEMA fails to unite and communicate the significance of this issue to the leaders of nations heavily affected, it might not succeed. Despite attending various conferences and meetings, it won’t make a difference.
Ms. Okot advocated for a multi-sectorial strategy, ensuring that each ministry received funding specifically designated for combating malaria.
The HBHI nations comprise Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Uganda.
The two-day Regional Strategic Meeting and Launch commenced on Monday, gathering parliamentarians, NMCP directors, and technical specialists from various African nations. The purpose was to harmonize strategies and bolster internal funding aimed at eliminating malaria.
This event is taking place in partnership with key stakeholders such as the National Malaria Control Programs of Ghana, Afrika Kwanza Health Impact, Hope for Future Generations, The Global Fund, Africa CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), Pan African Parliament, and the RBM Partnership to Eradicate Malaria.
GNA
ABD