SADC Malaria Day Commemoration and Launch of ‘Zero Malaria Starts With Me’ Campaign in Zimbabwe
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) commemorated Malaria Day and launched the ‘Zero Malaria Starts With Me’ campaign in Zimbabwe, marking a significant milestone in the regional fight against malaria.
The event, held in Murehwa Village, Mashonaland East Province, was attended by key health leaders, policymakers, and community representatives, all united in the shared vision to eliminate malaria in Southern Africa.
The Vice President of Zimbabwe, Honourable General (Rtd) Dr. Constantino D. G. N. Chiwenga, addressed attendees, stressing the importance of building resilient health systems grounded in universal health coverage. He highlighted the need to ensure accessibility to malaria testing and treatment services for all citizens, regardless of their location.
“Every citizen must have the correct information on malaria prevention, control, and elimination,” Dr. Chiwenga stated, underscoring the importance of equitable healthcare for all.
Dr. Chiwenga also emphasized the crucial role of community participation in malaria elimination, particularly in border regions where inconsistent healthcare services make populations more vulnerable to the disease. He praised community health workers and volunteers for their tireless efforts in delivering life-saving information and services to the most vulnerable.
The Vice President’s remarks were aligned with the theme of this year’s SADC Malaria Day: “Resilient Health Systems and Communities: Key to Malaria Elimination,” and the slogan “Timely Access to Malaria Services, Everyone’s Right.” He stressed that malaria elimination requires robust health systems that are accessible to the most vulnerable populations.
Ms. Angele Makombo Ntumba, the SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, also addressed the gathering, commending SADC Member States for their commitment to the Zero Malaria Starts With Me campaign.
She recognized the increased cross-border collaboration and policy harmonization across the region, while noting the challenges posed by climate change, such as floods and cyclones, which exacerbate malaria outbreaks.
Professor Sheila Tlou, Ambassador for the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), further highlighted the critical importance of strong health systems and engaged communities in the fight against malaria.
She applauded SADC Member States for their active implementation of the SADC Regional Malaria Elimination Strategy, demonstrating their resolve to eliminate malaria by 2030 as per the Windhoek Declaration.
The Windhoek Declaration, signed in 2018 by 16 SADC Member States, commits the region to eliminating malaria by 2030 through expanded data sharing, increased funding, and supportive policies. As part of this commitment, Zimbabwe’s launch of the ‘Zero Malaria Starts With Me’ campaign aligns the country with 24 other African nations, further amplifying the continent-wide push for malaria elimination.
The campaign, which originated in Senegal in 2014, has grown into a continent-wide movement endorsed by African Union Heads of State in 2018. It is based on three pillars: political engagement, private-sector involvement, and community participation, all aimed at keeping malaria high on the political agenda and mobilizing resources to fight the disease.
