Dar Es Salaam, 12 August 2024

The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Republic of Guinea for launching its national Malaria Youth Corps. This initiative places Guinea among eight other African nations (Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia) that have mobilized youth in the fight against malaria, while also addressing other public health challenges, such as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and advancing maternal and child health across the continent.

The Guinea Malaria Youth Corps comprises young Guineans aged 15-35, driven by a passion for contributing to health solutions and actively engaging with grassroots, regional, and national stakeholders. Their involvement highlights a broader social movement aimed at ending malaria and improving health outcomes in Guinea.

This launch comes at a critical time when Africa, especially malaria high-burden countries, faces a perfect storm threatening essential malaria services. Financial shortfalls, climate change impacts, insecticide and drug resistance, and ongoing humanitarian crises pose significant risks to maintaining progress in malaria control. Recognizing the urgent need to lift Africa from this crisis, Health Ministers from high-burden African countries have reaffirmed their commitment to intensify efforts against malaria, as articulated in the Yaoundé Declaration. This includes strong leadership, substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, innovative strategies, and the intensified engagement of youth, including through the launch of ALMA youth corps in all malaria high burden, high impact countries.

Africa’s youth are our greatest asset. By harnessing their energy, creativity, and commitment, we can transform the fight against malaria and accelerate progress towards a healthier, more prosperous future.

Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA

Malaria remains a significant public health issue in Guinea, as the leading cause of clinical consultations, hospitalizations, and child mortality under five years of age. The country also contends with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. However, Guinea has made commendable strides in malaria control and prevention, notably reducing the prevalence of malaria in young children, as well as annual malaria incidence and in-patient deaths. This progress reflects the commitment and resilience of the government, healthcare professionals, and citizens, supported by key partners.

With a population of approximately 12.9 million and a median age of 18 years, Guinea stands to benefit significantly by harnessing the power of its young population to engage them in health initiatives. The Malaria Youth Corps is not only a continuation of its progressive efforts but also a bold step in galvanizing the younger generation to advocate for actionfrom relevant stakeholders, resource mobilization, and accountability in the fight against malaria. The malaria youth corps will actively engage at all levels, promoting best practices in malaria prevention, mainstreaming malaria into existing youth structures, and sharing innovative solutions to end the disease in Africa. These young champions are committed to an initial two-year voluntary service, embodying the spirit of civic duty and leadership necessary to drive the country’s and the continent’s health agenda forward.

The launch of Guinea’s Malaria Youth Corps aligns with ALMA’s youth strategy, which not only focuses on malaria elimination but also aims to defeat neglected tropical diseases and improve access to universal health coverage. Engagement of young people is a significant component of the broader Big Push towards malaria elimination, reinforcing renewed commitments under the Yaoundé Declaration and utilizing promising new tools and approaches for sustainable progress.

Since the launch of the first national Malaria Youth Corps in 2021, as a result of the strategy, to date, malaria youth champions are present in 38 African countries, engaging in online platforms and grassroots activities. These champions act as change agents in malaria advocacy, evolving in their leadership roles and ensuring their voices are heard. They do so to increase government support and funding for malaria elimination. Their work also raises awareness about malaria and tackles wider health issues, such as how social factors and climate change affect health.