Rwanda to Host 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference During World Malaria Day 2024
Rwanda is set to host the 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference (PAMC) organized by the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM Society) from April 21-27, 2024. This major event, themed “Grassroots Mobilization to End Malaria: Invest, Innovate & Integrate,” will bring together global experts, scientists, and policymakers to highlight the critical need for innovative strategies and investments to combat malaria across Africa.
Timed to coincide with World Malaria Day on April 25th, the conference aims to enhance global awareness of the challenges posed by malaria. Participants will engage in discussions, share insights, and work together to devise more effective strategies to fight the disease. The event also serves as a platform to recognize and honor the tireless efforts of those committed to eradicating malaria, a disease that affects millions in Africa every day.
Rwanda’s Innovative Approach to Malaria Control
The upcoming Pan-African Malaria Conference will spotlight Rwanda’s innovative efforts in the fight against malaria. Grassroots mobilization has been key, with community engagement playing a vital role in surveillance, prevention, and treatment. Community Health Workers (CHWs) have been particularly instrumental, diagnosing and treating 60% of all recorded malaria cases in 2023, and supporting efforts such as bed net distribution and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). These initiatives, aligned with the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2020-2024, have significantly bolstered Rwanda’s fight against malaria.
Rwanda’s success in reducing malaria is evident. According to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), annual malaria incidence dropped from 409 cases per 1,000 people in 2016/17 to just 47 cases per 1,000 in 2022/23. Malaria cases fell from nearly 5 million to 600,000 during the same period, with malaria-related deaths decreasing by over 89%. The WHO’s World Malaria Report 2023 also recognized Rwanda as one of the five African countries making notable progress towards the 2025 Global Technical Strategy (GTS) target.
Malaria: Africa’s Ongoing Health Crisis
Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases globally, particularly in Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 249 million malaria cases in 2022, an increase of five million compared to pre-pandemic estimates. Africa bore the brunt, accounting for 94% (233 million) of these cases and 95% of all malaria-related deaths. Tragically, children under five made up nearly 80% of these fatalities in 2022.
Beyond its devastating health impacts, malaria poses significant socio-economic challenges. The disease hampers productivity, reduces social interactions, and diminishes household income, perpetuating poverty and inequality. Vulnerable populations are hit hardest, often left behind in the fight against this deadly disease. Historical data from 1965 to 1990 highlights a stark correlation between malaria and poverty, with countries facing high malaria rates experiencing slower economic growth.
As Rwanda prepares to host the 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference, the nation looks forward to sharing its best practices and fostering collaboration in the continent-wide fight against malaria.