International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we are inviting young people from Africa to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.

While diseases do not discriminate, women bear the health, economic and social brunt of this deadly disease that exacerbate poverty and deepen inequalities. Pregnant women and children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable to malaria, with this group making up two-thirds of all malaria deaths. Others, especially adolescent girls fall through the gender gaps in the provision of malaria services – sometimes with lifelong consequences.

In this first episode of ALMA Youth Voices, Dr. Phill Chigiya, sat with fellow ALMA Youth Advisory Council members, to share perspectives on the role of young people in promoting a gender-equal world. They also share individual insights on why breaking the bias against women is important in achieving zero malaria.