Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
25 April 2016
AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia P. O. Box 3243 Telephone: +251 11 551 7700 / +251 11 518 25 58/ Ext 2558
Website : www. au.int.org
African Union and African Leaders Malaria Alliance high-level dialogue on “Ending Malaria in Africa for Good”
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me take this opportunity to welcome you all to this high-level dialogue on “Ending Malaria in Africa for Good” and commend the leadership of the African Union and African Leaders Malaria Alliance for maintaining the malaria response high on Africa’s health and development agenda.
The malaria fight is one of the most inspiring global health stories of our time, resulting from smart investments and strong partnerships that have resulted in dramatic progress against malaria in the past 15 years. Working together, the continental and Regional Economic Communities, countries, dedicated partners and organizations, and communities have reached millions of people with effective tools, diagnosis, and treatment. As a result, we are commemorating African Malaria day as a good number of African countries successfully met Malaria Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets. Africa contributed to the global reduction of malaria related deaths by 60 percent globally, with 6.2 million lives saved since 2000. Malaria is no longer the leading cause of death of African children as malaria related deaths among children under five years declined by 71%.
These achievements could not be possible without collective efforts by the African leaders and global solidarity that has harnessed the efforts and resources needed to address malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen
However, while both international and domestic funding to fight malaria have dramatically increased between 2005 and 2014, a serious moral obligation remains ahead of us to save the lives of about 30 per cent of African children who are still dying from malaria. Over the last century, there have been dozens of resurgences of malaria in countries around the world, many linked to decreases in gap in financing and weaker health systems. Such barriers have continued to keep Africa with a huge malaria burden.
The African Heads of State and Government in the 2013 Abuja Declaration set bold target to eliminate malaria in Africa by 2030. The same target is now embraced in the global Sustainable Development Goals. In that regard, Ending Malaria for Good is fundamental pillar of achieving the aspirations that we have set for ourselves in Agenda 2063. Continued commitments and sustained funding including fully funding the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria are critical in meeting the ambitious goals to end malaria once and for all.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen
The AU Assembly Decision on the Report of the Aids Watch Africa (AWA) in June 2015 requested the Commission working with the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Agency and in consultation with Member States and partners to develop a “Catalytic Framework” detailing milestones towards ending AIDS, TB and eliminate malaria in line with the Abuja +12 targets. The Decision further requested the Commission to work in consultation with Member States and partners to develop accountability framework with clear targets and indicators to monitor and measure progress.
I am glad that the Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB and eliminate malaria is one of the tangible products that the experts will be reviewing here in Addis Ababa between today and tomorrow. This framework will provide the roadmap to intensify the implementation of the Abuja +12 commitments by building Africa-wide consensus on the key strategic actions within the context of the existing targets and milestones.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen
Eliminating malaria will make Africa and the world a better, safer place for future generations and enable millions of people to reach their full potential. Investment in the malaria fight is one of the best buys in global health. The tools are cost-effective and the return on investment is high. Ending malaria transmission will increase the quality of life of millions of people and free up resources that are currently being used to fight the disease.
Africa needs to priotise resources for more efforts and tools guided by our scientific community to stop the mosquito-borne diseases and deaths worldwide. Advances in research and tools to fight malaria will help transform how we combat other infectious diseases, like Zika Virus. The African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention will provide intelligence, early warning and timely effective responses towards Ending not only malaria but other known and emerging global health threats.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to bring special attention to the fate of African women who have historically succumbed to malaria sickness and deaths during pregnancy and those aged under five. This year the World Malaria Day coincides with the African Year of Human Rights that accords a specific focus to the rights of women. I am therefore calling everyone to take responsibility for the acceleration of the implementation of the commitments to address gender inequalities with special focus on ending women and young children’s vulnerability to malaria.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me emphasise that we have the science and tools to end malaria. Malaria related deaths are thus unacceptable. Let us amplify voices for the acceleration of the implementation of the commitments to address gender inequalities and end women’s vulnerability to malaria. By working together with more efforts, commitments and funding we can do what we once thought was impossible. Let me conclude by pointing out that eliminating malaria is critical in achieving Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
I thank you
