Devex: Opinion: Why the elimination of malaria matters more than ever
Abdourahmane Diallo, minister of health of Guinea from 2016 to 2018

“…Globally, more countries are close to [malaria] elimination than ever before with more than half now malaria-free. … Malaria-affected countries need to learn lessons from experiences elsewhere, particularly when it comes to adopting good practice. Those that aren’t on the verge of elimination can take inspiration from knowing that elimination is possible and now, more than ever, must we work to shrink the malaria map. We are at a critical juncture in our fight, with the leading source of international funding, the Global Fund, due for replenishment this year, and malaria cases rising in some high-burden countries. It is crucial that we maintain momentum and do not let the progress of the last 20 years slide, as we face the tantalizing prospect of being able to end malaria within a generation. To do this requires collective global effort. When we work together, we are stronger. Countries that have succeeded in reaching zero cases and have been certified as malaria-free demonstrate the power of collective and collaborative action and set the bar for others to reach and end malaria for good” (7/5).