A Big Push Against Malaria in the Francophone World

A new report released on April 25th 2026 provides an overview of the burden of malaria in the Francophone world, celebrating remarkable progress in some areas and major challenges in others. Its starting point is to recognise the starkly disproportionate burden that Francophone countries continue to face – just 13% of the world’s population accounting for almost half of malaria cases and deaths (42% and 40% respectively). It’s time for a “Big Push Against Malaria in the Francophone World”. 

Launched during the official World Malaria Day ceremony in Benin by the country’s Minister of Health, Prof. Benjamin Hounkpatin, the report aims to strengthen the malaria elimination agenda within the Francophone world – in both endemic and donor countries – with a particular focus on five priority themes, each with illustrative case studies and attendant calls-to-action. 

1. A Big Push for Health Sovereignty and Domestic Resource Mobilisation

→ We call on countries affected by malaria to continue to lead and, through an equitable transition, progressively finance their own national malaria strategies, grounded on science and evidence. 

2. A Big Push for sustained donor financing through existing and diversified sources

→ We call on international donors to sustain solidarity and support to malaria endemic countries through existing multilateral financing mechanisms such as the Global Fund and Gavi, as well as through bilateral agreements. 

3. A Big Push for stronger private sector engagement

→ We call on the private sector to contribute through a range of existing mechanisms, from the international level through the Global Fund, to the regional level through mechanisms such as the Voix EssentiELLES Fund for Malaria Elimination, and the national level through direct support to national malaria programmes and End Malaria Councils and Funds.

4. A Big Push for an accelerated innovation pipeline

→ We call for the necessary support to build the scientific, regulatory and production capacity needed to assess, adopt and benefit from emerging innovations at the global, regional, and national levels. 

5. A Big Push for a whole-of-society approach to malaria

→ We call on governments, partners, and communities to adopt a whole-of-society, gender- and youth-responsive approach – engaging all sectors and stakeholders, addressing social and environmental drivers, and centering those most affected – to accelerate malaria elimination through coordinated, community-driven, and One Health strategies.

In addition to these 5 calls-to-action, the report also invites the Francophone community as a whole to rally behind the adoption of a resolution on malaria during the next OIF (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie) Summit scheduled to take place in Cambodia in November 2026 – an opportunity for the Francophone world to speak in one voice that echos this year’s poignant World Malaria Day theme: « Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must”.

“This report highlights a reality we can no longer ignore: our region is on the front line. But it also shows that progress is possible when political leadership, funding, and collective mobilisation come together. Benin is determined to continue its efforts and advancing this ambition at both the regional and international levels.” Professor Benjamin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health of Benin.