Published: 27 March 2024

The Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) – as part of the collaborative efforts for capacity strengthening – convened experts on malaria, neglected tropical diseases and women’s, girls, and child health to look at critical areas for improved action.

The meeting sought to accelerate data-driven action, resource mobilisation, accountability, and advocacy through the use of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent health, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease scorecard management tools for accountability and action. Capacity was reinforced in the used of the scorecard management tools. These scorecard tools have been shown to drive action including resource mobilisation, training, mentoring, addressing stockouts and disease upsurges.

Also, focusing on the pressing public and private sector domestic resource mobilisation agenda to end malaria and neglected tropical diseases, the convening saw consultative meetings held with the Office of the President and Ministry of Health to support the ongoing operationalisation of the Guinea-Bissau End Malaria and NTD Council.

Efforts are underway to support the development of the first set of commitments ahead of World Malaria Day on 25 April. To date, these multisectoral councils and funds have kept malaria high on the domestic financing and advocacy agenda. Guinea-Bissau was the first country to launch an integrated End Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Council, under the leadership of the ALMA Chair, His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.