RBM Partnership to End Malaria announces key leadership appointments to steer its strategic direction in the fight against malaria

Published: 19 May 2023

The RBM Partnership to End Malaria announced Wednesday key leadership appointments to steer its strategic direction in the fight against malaria.

Joy Phumaphi, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Executive Secretary was appointed Board Chair of the Partnership effective 16 May 2023.  A Botswana citizen, Joy Phumaphi has had an illustrious career in Government at ministerial level and has held senior leadership roles including within the World Health Organization and the World Bank. She brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her new position, alongside her enduring commitment to the eradication of malaria.

“I am humbled by the confidence that the Partnership has invested in me, by appointing me as the Chair. After our first meeting together, I am greatly inspired by the strength and breadth of this new Board and its mandate to galvanise global action towards a malaria-free world,” said Joy Phumaphi.

Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles is the incoming CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. Dr. Charles, currently serving as the Head of Delegation for Southern Africa for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), brings with him a strong track record of leadership in public health and international development. He has been a persistent advocate in the fight against malaria, and will formally take office on 1 July 2023.

To mark these milestones, the RBM Partnership will host a partner briefing on June 6 to formally introduce the new CEO and Board Chair. The Board has 22 newly appointed representatives, over half of which are from malaria-affected countries.

The RBM Partnership to End Malaria is the largest global platform for coordinated action against malaria. Established in 1998, it mobilizes action and resources and forges consensus among partners. The Partnership comprises more than 500 partners, including malaria-endemic countries, their bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, non-governmental and community-based organizations, foundations, and research and academic institutions. Its vision is a world free from the burden of malaria and its mission is to support malaria-affected countries and galvanise global action across all sectors to end malaria for good.

Learn more.