Published: 13 October 2024

The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) congratulates the Republics of South Sudan and Malawi on the launch of their Malaria Youth Corps, amplifying a growing youth-led movement across the continent dedicated to ending malaria. These launches bring the total to 13 countries leading efforts to place young people at the forefront of malaria prevention and elimination, a disease that remains a leading cause of illness and death in Africa.

With nearly 70% of South Sudan’s population being youth, their passion and commitment will drive us forward in the fight against malaria. I am confident that our young people will lead the charge, from grassroots health campaigns to digital platforms, spreading the message that Zero Malaria Starts With Me.

Dr. Santo Malek Deng, Director General for International Health and Coordination, Republic of South Sudan

Malaria continues to be a significant public health threat in both South Sudan and Malawi. In 2022, South Sudan reported over 2.8 million cases and 6,680 deaths, while Malawi faced 4.3 million cases and nearly 6,800 deaths, with its entire population of over 20 million at risk. Children under five bear the highest burden, and Malawi accounts for 2% of global malaria cases, placing it among the top 15 countries with the highest malaria burden.

The newly formed youth corps in South Sudan and Malawi will mobilise young people to lead grassroots malaria awareness and prevention campaigns, promote the use of insecticide-treated nets, and advocate for strengthened health systems, particularly in vulnerable communities. Their efforts also aim to promote Universal Health Coverage and integrate broader health initiatives.

We, the youth of Malawi, are ready to take action and reach every corner of our nation. This is our time to make a difference. We understand the devastating impact of malaria on our communities, and we are stepping up to be the boots on the ground in this fight.

Sunday M. Mchemela, Team Lead, Malaria Youth Corps Malawi.

In addition to community outreach, the youth corps will harness the power of digital platforms and social media to raise awareness and promote behaviour change. Trained through the ALMA Scorecard Hub, these youth leaders will play a critical role in advocating for the elimination of malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), support resource mobilisation efforts, and holding stakeholders accountable.

These new launches join the youth corps already active in other countries – including Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Eswatini, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. Youth engagement across the continent is crucial in lifting Africa from the heavy burden of malaria, which accounts for 94% of global cases and 95% of deaths, with children under five being especially vulnerable.

Africa faces a “perfect storm” of challenges that threaten to undo decades of progress in fighting malaria. These include financial constraints, drug and insecticide resistance, and the increasing impact of climate change. Engaging young people in health initiatives is key to harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend, with youth making up the majority of the continent’s population. This engagement is crucial not only for malaria but also for driving sustained progress toward the  ending HIV/AIDS and TB targets outlined in the Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB, and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030.

This youth engagement is part of the multisectoral approach needed to embrace the “big push” for accelerated action to end malaria, secure financial resources, increase domestic resource commitments, find new partners, and integrate malaria efforts with broader initiatives such as combating climate change, strengthening health systems, expanding primary health care, and enhancing pandemic preparedness and response.

I am excited about the contribution young people bring to this fight – they are not just addressing malaria; they are safeguarding the health and future of our entire continent. Ending malaria, alongside progress in fighting HIV/AIDS and TB, will lay the foundation for reducing Africa’s health burden and further propel the achievement of universal health goals and set a firm foundation for socio-economic transformation.

Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA