The Malaria Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) applauds the efforts and thoughtfulness of the Strategic Advisory Group on Malaria Eradication (SAGme) and agrees with the Group’s conclusions that while malaria eradication remains the global vision, current efforts must be directed at addressing the stagnation in progress reported over the last few years.
According to WHO’s latest World malaria report, there was no decline in the rate of global malaria cases in the period from 2014 to 2018. Approximately 70% of global malaria cases and deaths are concentrated in a small group of countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. To accelerate progress in countries hardest hit by malaria, the “High burden to high impact” approach must be supported. Continued support is also needed for countries with a low burden of malaria as they work to achieve their elimination goals through the “E-2020” and upcoming “E-2025” initiatives.
MPAC will work with the WHO Global Malaria Programme to consider the recommendations of the SAGme with respect to updating and strengthening the Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030. Members of the Committee will advise on the development of a decision-making framework to help identify the appropriate conditions under which a time-limited malaria eradication campaign could be launched at some point in the future.
MPAC acknowledges that the SAGme report was prepared before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the report provides guidance regarding the importance of maintaining malaria prevention and treatment during complex emergencies, including epidemics. MPAC highlights the need for governments to ensure that they do not neglect the fight against malaria (and other endemic diseases) as they tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.