How global partnerships can aid fight against diseases & climate change

Africa's disease burden continues to drain government budgets, with the rise of new infections further exacerbated by climate shocks. Charles Michael Adenkule, the CEO of Partnership to End Malaria, RBM, highlighted the pressing need for global partnerships to combat these challenges in a recent interview. Adenkule emphasized the critical interplay between climate change and the prevalence of diseases like Malaria. He cited examples from Pakistan, Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar, where flood-induced stagnant water created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a spike in Malaria cases. Additionally, Adenkule mentioned the concerning trend of insecticide resistance, contributing to the inefficacy of current prevention measures. These challenges have hindered progress in the fight against Malaria, necessitating innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. To address these issues, Adenkule underscored the importance of leveraging partnerships with academia, researchers, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop new products at scale. By fostering innovation and collective action within the Malaria community, there is hope for overcoming current obstacles and advancing towards disease control and eradication. In light of these developments, Adenkule highlighted some of the latest interventions in Malaria prevention. He discussed the introduction of dual active ingredient nets to combat insecticide resistance and the ongoing research on new medications for one-dose treatments. Adenkule also touched upon the significance of vaccines as part of a holistic approach that integrates various prevention methods. However, despite these advancements, sustained funding remains a critical challenge in the fight against Malaria. Adenkule stressed the need for approximately US$6 billion annually, with only half of the required amount currently secured. To bridge this resource gap, RBM is actively pursuing strategies to advocate for continued investment in Malaria control. Adenkule emphasized the economic benefits of reducing Malaria burden, citing a potential increase of $127 billion in Africa's GDP by 2030 if Malaria cases are significantly reduced. He called for concerted efforts to mobilize additional resources and prioritize Malaria elimination and eradication. Looking ahead, Adenkule highlighted the upcoming replenishment of the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as crucial opportunities to secure funding and support for Malaria control programs. As RBM continues to collaborate with countries and engage diverse stakeholders, the call for sustained funding and increased partnerships remains at the forefront of efforts to address the global challenges of Malaria.