The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to malaria control, joining member states, partners, and the global community to mark World Malaria Day.
The organisation made this known in a statement shared on its social media platforms on Saturday.
According to WAHO, West Africa accounts for about 40 per cent of the global malaria burden, underscoring the scale of the challenge in the region.
“Despite considerable progress in recent decades—driven by stronger national malaria control programmes, improved regional coordination, and sustained partner support—malaria remains a major public health challenge across the ECOWAS region,” the statement read.
WAHO noted that while significant gains have been recorded, the disease continues to pose a serious threat, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women. It added that malaria also places a heavy burden on health systems and socio-economic development.
The organisation commended member states for scaling up proven interventions, including the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and improved access to rapid diagnostic tests and effective treatment.
It also highlighted the introduction of malaria vaccines in several countries as a historic milestone in the fight against the disease.
However, WAHO expressed concern that progress has stalled in some areas due to funding gaps, insecticide and drug resistance, climate change, and ongoing conflicts disrupting health services.
“These challenges threaten to reverse the gains made and require urgent, coordinated action at all levels,” it said.
The organisation called on governments, partners, civil society, and the private sector to scale up investment in malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It stressed that strengthening health systems, expanding community-based interventions, and fostering innovation are critical to achieving the 2030 malaria targets.
WAHO further emphasised the need for stronger cross-border collaboration, noting that malaria transmission is a regional issue that cannot be addressed by individual countries alone.
“No single country can eliminate malaria in isolation; collective action is essential for lasting impact,” it stated.
It added, “Together, we can accelerate progress towards a malaria-free West Africa and protect millions of lives.”
