New York, 20 August 2025 – African ambassadors to the United Nations met yesterday under the auspices of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance steering committee, chaired by Ambassador Charles Masole, Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN.

Ambassadors recognised the “perfect storm” of challenges facing malaria elimination efforts, including shrinking donor funding, extreme weather events, humanitarian crises and the spread of drug and insecticide resistance. They underscored the urgent need to secure additional financing through multiple channels, including domestic budget allocations, multisectoral End Malaria Councils, public-private partnerships, and development bank funding, alongside a strong replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Ambassadors also committed to further advocacy in support of malaria elimination, including engaging their respective Heads of State to champion innovative financing solutions and mobilise additional resources. They welcomed plans for Heads of State to reconvene at the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the urgency of malaria financing and sustain momentum for a Big Push towards elimination.

This is a decisive moment. We must mobilize new and innovative resources and strengthen accountability to accelerate the Big Push towards malaria elimination. Together, with solidarity and purpose, we will advance our shared vision of a malaria-free Africa by 2030. Zero Malaria Starts With Me.

Ambassador Charles Masole, Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN