Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, called on African nations to boost local resources in the fight against malaria at the 2025 End Malaria Councils and Funds Chairs dinner.
The event, co-hosted by End Malaria Council Kenya and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, focused on rallying governments, private sector leaders, and civil society to push for the full replenishment of the Global Fund, a key financial pillar for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS programs.
Hon. Mang’eni highlighted the urgent need for domestic funding as donor support declines and noted that Kenya faces an estimated US$33 million shortfall in malaria control efforts.
“As donor funding continues to dwindle, it becomes increasingly crucial for African nations to prioritise local ownership and investment in health programmes,” she said.
The gathering aimed to chart a course for raising the US$6.3 billion needed annually to sustain and expand malaria control across the continent, aligning with the African Union’s goal of eliminating malaria by 2030.
Representatives from government, business, and civil society stressed the importance of collective action. “We must not let malaria outmaneuver us. It’s time to rally our resources and suppress this age-old adversary,” Hon. Mang’eni asserted.
EMC Kenya Chairman Chris Getonga added, “It requires money, innovation, and unwavering commitment,” underscoring the need for local investments to supplement international aid, which currently funds 62% of malaria control initiatives.
The meeting comes as Kenya battles a high malaria burden, with recent data showing the disease as a significant cause of outpatient consultations and millions of cases reported nationally.
The discussions emphasized actionable steps for stakeholders to drive forward sustainable, homegrown solutions to secure progress against one of Africa’s most persistent health challenges.
