15 years of fueling the fight to end malaria in Africa: A conversation with African leaders around the transformative impact of partnership with the U.S. president’s malaria initiative:

Ambassador Lazarus Amayo thanked the U.S for its continued support to Kenya’s health sector through PEPFAR and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) during a virtual forum on 15 years of fueling the fight to end Malaria in Africa; a conversation with African leaders around the transformative impact of partnership with the US (PMI) held on October 15, 2020.

Amb. Amayo together with Amb. Mathilda Mukantabana and Amb. Lazarus Kapambwe of Rwanda and Zambia, respectively and Mr. Mame Oumar Thiaw, Senegal Deputy Chief of Mission highlighted the achievements of their respective countries in mitigating malaria. In his remarks Amb. Amayo recognized Kenya’s concerted efforts against malaria given that President Uhuru Kenyatta is the current Chair of African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and highlighted Kenya’s achievements with the support of the U.S through PMI which include; reduction of malaria incidences by 3% and mortality by 5%, widespread distribution of insecticide treated nets targeting 25 million people by 2021, use of Community Health workers to create awareness on malaria prevention and treatment among the rural communities; and enhanced malaria research with clinical trials of a malaria vaccine program in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi.

The forum was moderated by Mr. Martin Edlund, CEO Malaria No More and also addressed by Ms. Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary, Africa Leaders Malaria Alliance and Dr. Ken Stately, U.S Global Malaria Coordinator. The speakers celebrated the 15 years fight against malaria through US programs with Africa which are on track to distribute two million nets and reach 20 million children and pledged commitment to prioritizing malaria programs. The session recognized the impact of malaria globally, especially on children and appreciated the 15 yrs partnership between the U.S PMI and African countries in the fight against malaria which has saved about 7 million lives and prevented one billion cases globally and recognized the need for continued concerted efforts and partnership to prioritize malaria programs, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.