Gov’t institutes Malaria Week to intensify fight against disease.

It was highlighted during the commemoration of the 19th World Malaria Day 2026, which took place on Friday, April 24.

The ceremony was presided by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Malachie Manaouda. Organised under the theme: “Ending Malaria: Now it’s possible, let’s act now”, the initiative, officials said, sought to boost collective action against a disease that remains a major public health concern.

Through awareness campaigns, community outreach programmes, caravans and roundtable discussions, health authorities said they aim to bring prevention messages closer to the population, while encouraging behavioural change.

According to reports presented, despite global progress, malaria continues to have a devastating impact. 

Worldwide, the disease accounts for nearly 249 million cases and more than 600,000 deaths annually. In Cameroon, the situation remains worrying. 

In 2025 alone, nearly two million cases were recorded in health facilities, leading to over 1,100 deaths. However, authorities note a significant 37% reduction in mortality, reflecting the impact of ongoing interventions.

Malaria, officials said, remains the leading cause of hospital consultations and deaths in the country, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. Regions such as the South West, Littoral, North and Far North continue to bear the highest burden, it was said.

To address the challenges, the government, the Minister said, is implementing the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2024–2028, to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality by 75%. 

Key measures, he said, include the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, seasonal chemoprevention, the rollout of malaria vaccines, improved diagnosis and treatment, and free healthcare for children under five.

Minister Manaouda called for urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders. He stressed that with the tools now available, malaria elimination in the country is within reach, provided efforts are intensified without delay

Health officials point at shortages of medical supplies, growing resistance to treatments, and a funding gap estimated at nearly 70% of required resources, amounting to over 260 billion FCFA to be the major challenges.

Speaking at the event, the World Health Organisation’s representative in Cameroon emphasised that malaria elimination is achievable, noting that 44 countries worldwide have already succeeded. The official reaffirmed the World Health Organisation’s commitment to supporting Cameroon’s efforts.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3773 of Monday April 27, 2026