Taking stock of RBM movement's fight against malaria

Malaria continues to pose a major threat to multiple countries in Africa, with over 600,000 children still losing their lives to the disease each year. CNBC Africa's Ridhima Shukla recently sat down with Michael Charles, the CEO of RBM Partnerships, to delve into the strategic initiatives required to combat the malaria epidemic effectively. The RBM partnership, established 25 years ago, aims to pool resources for maximum impact and has seen significant improvements in reducing malaria-related fatalities. However, the fight is far from over as the disease continues to resurge in many endemic countries across the African continent. Charles emphasized the critical need for increased funding and collaboration to stay ahead of the evolving challenges posed by biological resistance and ever-changing mosquito vectors. One of the key issues highlighted during the interview was the insufficient funding plaguing the global fight against malaria. With an estimated annual budget of $7 billion required to combat the disease effectively, current funding only reaches approximately half of that amount at $3.5 billion. Charles stressed the importance of advocacy efforts by organizations like the Global Fund, the World Health Organization (WHO), and GAVI, urging for greater investments at both the international and domestic levels. He emphasized the need for governments to allocate more resources towards healthcare infrastructure and overall health systems to effectively tackle malaria and other public health challenges. The conversation also touched upon the economic ramifications of malaria on the African continent, with an annual loss of $12 billion attributed to the disease. This loss encompasses factors like absenteeism, reduced productivity, and the overall strain on healthcare systems. Charles emphasized the imperative of a multi-sectoral approach to addressing malaria, involving not just the health sector but also key sectors like private enterprises, infrastructure development, and education. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts across various industries to combat malaria comprehensively. Another critical aspect discussed was the need for Africa to become self-reliant in manufacturing essential drugs and commodities for malaria treatment. Charles acknowledged the desire among African leaders for local manufacturing of bed nets and medications to reduce dependence on imports. With 96% of the global malaria burden borne by Africa, investing in local manufacturing not only enhances economic growth but also creates job opportunities and fosters community development. By bolstering manufacturing capabilities within the continent, RBM Partnerships envisions a future where Africa can address health challenges while simultaneously driving economic progress and human capital development. As Charles reiterated throughout the interview, the fight against malaria is a collective effort that transcends traditional healthcare boundaries. By harnessing partnerships, increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, and promoting local manufacturing, RBM Partnerships aims to lead the charge in eradicating malaria and fostering a healthier future for Africa.