In 2014, a powerful movement began in Dakar, Senegal, uniting parents, students, health workers, and national leaders under one rallying cry: “Zero Malaria Starts With Me.” What began as a grassroots call to action has since ignited a continent-wide commitment to eliminate malaria, with over 30 African countries now leading national campaigns built on that same foundation of collective responsibility and community action.
Since its launch, the campaign has expanded across Africa through the support of political leadership, private sector partnerships, and grassroots engagement. Heads of State continue to prioritize malaria elimination through the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, and the annual Africa Malaria Progress Report keeps the issue at the top of the agenda. Real-time tools like the Global Malaria Dashboard ensure transparency and accountability, while initiatives like Malaria Champions empower ministers to push for funding, collaboration, and primary health care integration.
Recent milestones underscore the progress being made. In Benin, the launch of a parliamentary caucus against malaria marks a strong national stand to end malaria deaths among children and pregnant women by 2030. This effort is part of a broader regional commitment by parliamentarians through networks like COPEMA and REPEL Malaria.
Private sector engagement is also accelerating. Business leaders are increasingly investing in critical areas such as diagnostics, treatment, and logistics. Campaigns like “Change the Story” spotlight the sector’s role, while the Voix EssentiELLEs Fund ensures women-led solutions are prioritized. End Malaria Councils now active in 11 countries have raised over $150 million in funding, with $85 million coming from private sector partners, proving that innovation and investment go hand-in-hand.
At the heart of this movement lies the power of communities. From youth-led initiatives in Zambia to sports-based campaigns in Senegal, local leadership is proving essential. Sixteen countries have formed Malaria Youth Corps, energizing the next generation of advocates. In Senegal, young basketball players have become malaria ambassadors, trained to raise awareness and inspire action within their communities.
Despite this momentum, sustaining and scaling these gains requires resources. The recent Gavi Summit brought in over $9 billion in vaccine funding, with African nations pledging $4 billion of their own demonstrating that domestic funding is not just necessary but achievable. Continued support for initiatives like the Global Fund remains crucial.
Now, with the 2030 goal in sight, Africa stands ready for the final push. The tools, partnerships, and knowledge are in place. What remains is unwavering will and united action. Zero malaria still starts with each of us. Together, we can finish what we started.
