"Ending Malaria in Africa by 2030" - commemoration of World Malaria Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

More than 300 African health experts and ministry officials convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in commemoration of World Malaria Day. Notable individuals at the high-level luncheon on “Ending Malaria in Africa by 2030” included His Excellency Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chair of the African Union (AU) Commission; the Honorable Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu, Minister of Health of Ethiopia; Dr. Richard Nchabi Kamwi, the Elimination 8 Ambassador; and Ms. Joy Phumaphi, the Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance. In recognition of his leadership on malaria in Africa, Dr. Kamwi was invited to address the AU member states present at the event. Highlighting the successes in driving down malaria in the Elimination 8 countries, Dr. Kamwi also warned that achieving and sustaining malaria elimination is contingent upon sustained financial and political support and will require greater national ownership of malaria programs. During the event, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating malaria in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Dr. Kamwi’s full speech can be read here.