President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for sustainable financing and stronger African leadership to accelerate the fight against malaria across the continent.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the African Union Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Samia emphasized that Africa must reduce its reliance on external donors and invest more domestic resources into malaria prevention and treatment programmes.
Need for Long-Term Funding
President Samia noted that while international partnerships have played a key role in reducing malaria cases over the years, overdependence on foreign aid puts progress at risk whenever funding priorities shift.
She urged African governments to strengthen health budgets, improve accountability in the use of funds, and develop innovative financing mechanisms to ensure malaria programmes remain stable and effective.
“Malaria continues to affect millions of our people, especially children and pregnant women. We must secure sustainable financing if we are serious about eliminating this disease,” she said.
Strengthening African Leadership
The President also called for stronger coordination among African Union member states. She stressed the importance of sharing research, data, and best practices to tackle the disease more effectively.
According to health experts, Africa carries the highest global burden of malaria, accounting for the majority of cases and deaths each year. Despite progress in prevention through mosquito nets, indoor spraying, and improved access to treatment, challenges remain, including drug resistance and climate-related changes that affect mosquito breeding.
Tanzania’s Commitment
President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to intensifying malaria control efforts through community awareness, early diagnosis, and expanded access to treatment.
She also encouraged greater investment in local production of medicines and health supplies to reduce dependency on imports.
Her remarks come as African leaders meet to discuss key development priorities, including health security, economic growth, and climate resilience.
The call for sustainable malaria financing aligns with broader continental efforts to strengthen health systems and achieve long-term disease elimination goals.
