Introduction

Fulfilling his priority as chair of ALMA (from January 2020 to August 2022), His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and the cabinet secretary for health launched the Kenya End Malaria Council in February 2021. The objectives of the End Malaria Council are to:

• drive advocacy to sustain malaria high on the national development agenda and as a priority across all sectors
• mobilise commitments for action and resources to support the implementation of the Kenya malaria strategy
• promote local manufacturing of malaria commodities.

The End Malaria Council is chaired by an industrialist from the private sector and includes representatives from government (such as the ministry of health, pharmaceutical board), subnational leaders (such as the council of governors), private sector and other community leaders.

Key commitments

The council entered into a memorandum of understanding with S.C. Johnson, a global manufacturer, to support the national malaria programme. The company has committed to support existing and innovative vector control tools, social and behavioural change communications and the promotion of local manufacturing of malaria commodities. This partnership has supported trials of drone-based larval source management in targeted districts.

Working with the Israel ambassador to establish cross-border partnerships with Israeli companies to support innovative solutions to gaps in the Kenya malaria strategy.

Engaging more than 100 private sector companies to discuss how they can provide technical assistance and resources to the national malaria programme and its partners.

Supported the launch of the Kenya Malaria Youth Corps.

Dr Willis Akhwale: Special Advisor to the Kenya End Malaria Council

Dr Akhwale serves as Special Advisor to the Kenya End Malaria Council. Previously, he served as ALMA’s Senior Advisor to His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta, while the president was ALMA Chair.

He is a medical doctor with more than 25 years of exceptional health management and technical experience. Much of his career has been spent working on malaria prevention and control in Kenya. Dr Akhwale has held several positions in Kenya’s Ministry of Health and international organisations.

His achievements have received presidential recognition, including the award of the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) medal in Kenya. He has an extensive track record working with global health partners like the USAID and Centres for Disease Control (CDC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Global Fund, PEPFAR, the World Bank and the World Health Organization.

Learn more about the Kenya End Malaria Council

Please visit the Kenya End Malaria Council website for more information.