Contributing to the global fight against malaria

Despite continued progress in malaria control, malaria is still a major burden of disease in many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. When combating the health and economic effects of malaria in its partner countries, SDC stresses not only prevention but also access to medicines.

SDC focus

Switzerland is internationally recognised for its excellence in malaria research and its implementation of pioneering initiatives in malaria prevention and control. SDC therefore has the advantage of collaborating with a number of partners from the public and private sectors who are well known for their knowledge and expertise in the field of malaria.

SDC contributes to the fight against malaria through bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation. In partner countries that are highly malaria endemic, SDC backs specific projects that tackle malaria by increasing mosquito-net coverage, strengthening health systems and supporting community-based initiatives. At international level, SDC contributes to the fight against malaria with financial contributions to global initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and to internationally recognised academic institutions as well as public private partnerships that are driving innovative research and the development of new prevention means, drugs and diagnostic tools.

Raise awareness and sensitise

SDC also heads the Swiss Malaria Group that was founded in 2007 and encompasses 11 members from the private and public sectors and civil society. The aim of this group is to raise awareness of malaria and its impacts among decision makers and the public and to increase Swiss support for organisations that are actively involved in the fight against malaria. Synergies between the members are used to contribute to the decline of malaria cases in the most affected countries through innovative control measures, knowledge and financial flows.

Background

Many countries have made impressive progress in controlling malaria, resulting in reduced child mortality and a decreased number of malaria cases. These results have been made possible through improved coordination of the different global actors, massive investments in malaria control and the availability of efficient tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. However, growing resistance to anti-malarial drugs and insecticides pose a huge challenge to sustaining these achievements.