The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to ending malaria through strong local leadership, reliable financing, and community-focused health services.
Speaking at a high-level media dialogue held alongside the 39th African Union Heads of State and Government Summit at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Samia emphasized that defeating malaria is not only a health priority but a matter of economic growth, social development, and the well-being of African families.
The meeting, organized in collaboration with the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), focused on ensuring sustainable funding for malaria programmes, strengthening national health systems, and reducing overdependence on foreign aid.
President Samia stressed that African countries must take full ownership of malaria control efforts.
“The fight against malaria requires African solutions, African leadership, and long-term political commitment,” she noted, adding that protecting citizens from malaria directly supports productivity, education, and national development.
Highlighting Tanzania’s progress, the President said the country has invested heavily in science, innovation, and prevention.
Through institutions such as the Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania continues to advance research on modern malaria control technologies.
The Government has also expanded access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets, malaria vaccines, quality treatment, and patient monitoring systems especially at the community and primary health care levels.
She further explained that malaria interventions are now closely integrated into primary health services and the Universal Health Insurance agenda, ensuring that more citizens especially women and children can access life-saving care without financial hardship.
To mobilize local resources, President Samia noted that Tanzania works through Malaria Elimination Councils in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, engaging the private sector, faith-based organizations, civil society, and development partners.
This inclusive approach allows citizens and institutions to play an active role in protecting communities from malaria.
At the global level, she called on international partners to honor their commitments, particularly through strengthened support to the Global Fund and effective use of financing from the World Bank to sustain malaria programmes.
Meanwhile, the President of Botswana and Chairperson of ALMA, Duma Gideon Boko, warned that Africa is still off track to eliminate malaria by 2030.
He urged governments to set aside clear national budgets for malaria and to use data and accountability systems to deliver real results for citizens.
AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Amma Twum-Amoah, added that declining international funding has slowed progress in recent years.
She called for innovative financing, climate-resilient health systems, and stronger private-sector participation to protect vulnerable communities.
Ending malaria means healthier families, stronger economies, and a safer future for Africa. Through shared responsibility, smart investment, and people-centered leadership, Africa can still achieve a malaria-free continent by 2030.