Under global and continental targets, countries are expected to significantly reduce malaria incidence and mortality by 2025. However, the report notes that only five African countries are currently on track to meet the 2025 reduction targets.

The stagnation comes despite the rollout of malaria vaccines in 24 African countries and the scale-up of dual active-ingredient insecticide-treated nets, which are designed to combat insecticide resistance. While these tools represent scientific progress, the data suggest they have not yet translated into large-scale reductions in cases and deaths.

The report warns that Africa’s fight against malaria is facing multiple structural pressures. These include funding shortfalls, population growth, climate-related disruptions, and biological threats such as drug and insecticide resistance.

A significant concern highlighted in the report is the decline in external financing. Official Development Assistance for malaria has fallen, and replenishment targets for major global funding mechanisms have not been fully met. The report cautions that sustained funding gaps could reverse hard-won gains.

Climate variability is also contributing to malaria transmission patterns. Flooding and changing rainfall patterns have expanded mosquito breeding conditions in some regions. At the same time, rapid population growth increases the number of people at risk and raises the cost of maintaining prevention coverage.

Drug resistance remains another emerging threat. Partial resistance to frontline treatments has been detected in parts of Africa, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of existing therapies.

The report makes clear that while new technologies are critical, they are not sufficient on their own. Without stable financing, strong health systems, climate resilience planning and sustained political commitment, Africa risks missing its 2030 malaria elimination targets.

For now, the data signals a warning: innovation alone will not end malaria. Progress depends on whether countries and partners can close funding gaps, strengthen accountability and scale interventions at a pace that matches the burden.

Southern African countries like Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have recently reported fresh malaria outbreaks. This shows how hard it still is to eliminate the disease in the region.

Data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) shows a sharp rise in malaria cases in Zimbabwe. By week 23 of 2025, the country had reported 111,998 suspected cases and 310 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 0.27%. During the same period in 2024, there were 29,031 cases and 49 deaths.

It's not just Southern Africa seeing a rise. In Nigeria’s Kano State, officials recently confirmed 2 million cases of malaria infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there were 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths in 83 countries in 2023. The African region continues to carry the biggest burden—94% of all malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths happened there.

Children under five made up about 76% of all malaria deaths in the region.

“There is a real risk that they will not embrace something that could literally save lives. We need to remember not to ignore the need for community sensitisation and mobilisation,” she said.

Her comments come as African countries begin to roll out new malaria tools, including vaccines and child-specific treatments, in regions where the disease remains the leading cause of death for children.

Using Uganda as an example, Krystal highlighted the importance of community-level systems like Village Health Teams. These teams, made up of trained volunteers, play a key role in educating the public, offering basic treatment, and referring patients for care, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

“We have the new vaccines coming in, which is excellent. But if people are not educated to this, if they’re not sensitised, then it could all fall flat,” Krystal added. Malaria kills hundreds of thousands in Africa every year, the majority of them children .

The new drug, designed specifically for babies, could help fill a major treatment gap, but for it to work, advocates say, communities must first know it exists.

WHO said the country had not recorded a single case of locally transmitted malaria in the past three years, meeting the standard required for certification.

It becomes the third country in the WHO’s South-East Asia region to achieve this, following Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Malaria once posed a serious threat to the country’s population.

In 2006, Timor-Leste recorded over 220,000 cases, but through investment, strong leadership, and support from global partners, the government managed to reduce the number to zero.

After independence in 2002, Timor-Leste’s health ministry launched a national programme to fight the disease.

During this period, health workers were trained, mosquito nets were given out for free, and early testing and treatment were made available.

Despite the challenges with the number of health workers among other things, focus was given particularly to remote areas.

International partners like the Global Fund and the WHO also provided funding, advice, and technical support, introducing mosquito control methods such as indoor spraying and improved testing.

Timor-Leste also set up a system to detect new cases quickly, especially at the country’s borders, where new infections could arrive from outside.

“This elimination honours every life lost and every life now saved.  We must safeguard this victory with continued vigilance and community action to prevent malaria's re-entry,” Timor-Leste’s health minister Dr Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral said.

New baby malaria drug could save thousands of African newborns, researcher says

A Ugandan health expert has welcomed the approval of the world’s first malaria drug designed specifically for newborn babies, calling it a long-overdue breakthrough for countries still battling high infection and death rates from the disease. Read more here .

What’s behind the petrol price gaps across Africa?

New data shows that fuel prices across Africa in June 2025 reveal a striking disparity, with the cost of petrol ranging from just $0.02 per litre in Libya to $1.54 per litre in Zimbabwe. Read more here .

Could Botswana abandon death penalty to tackle gender-based violence?

President Duma Boko has suggested a reassessment of the effectiveness of capital punishment in curbing violent crime, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), amid growing public concern over its persistent rise across Botswana. Read more here .

Asia

China suffers $7.6 billion in losses from natural disasters in H1 2025

Natural disasters across China in the first half of 2025 brought direct economic losses of 54.11 billion yuan ($7.55 billion) and affected more than 23 million people, an official from the emergency response ministry said on July 15. Read more here .

Indonesia leads the world in peacekeepers on Israel–Lebanon border

According to the latest data from the  United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon  (UNIFIL), Indonesia has emerged as the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops to the Israel–Lebanon border, deploying 1,255 personnel to help maintain stability in one of the Middle East’s most volatile regions. Read more here .

How Vietnam’s nine new laws are rewriting rules for schools, salaries and state money

Vietnam’s President Lương Cường has approved nine new laws that bring major reforms to the country’s education system, tax policy, labour rules, energy use and more. Read more here .

Latin America

Lula says he won't take orders from foreigner Trump, calls tariffs blackmail

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on July 24 said he would not take orders over tariffs from a foreigner, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, and later called the United States' threatened duty "unacceptable blackmail." Read more here .

Chile reveals Latin America's first zero-emission tugboat, Trapananda

Chile has launched Latin America’s first fully electric tugboat as part of efforts to reduce pollution and modernise its port services. Read more here .

Cuba fires minister who said beggars were all fakes

The Cuban government fired its labor minister after she was publicly rebuked by the president for saying the country's beggars were all phonies in disguise. Read more here .

According to her, the announcement is especially important for Uganda, where malaria remains the leading cause of death among children.

“Malaria remains the number one killer of children under the age of 5,” she said. “So this is something that doctors are struggling with,” she added, “because treating babies under the age of 5, but only having doses available for children over 5kg, meant that you're risking toxicity, increased toxicity when you're treating these children. And it was really a challenge.”

The latest malaria figures show Uganda continues to carry a heavy burden, with more than 16,000 deaths in a single year. Most of the victims are children under five, especially newborns who have limited access to safe treatment options.

Developed by Novartis and approved by Swiss authorities, the drug will now be rolled out in several African countries, including Uganda.

It has been designed for babies weighing under 5kg, an age group previously left out of malaria treatment plans.

“For that mother with a newborn facing this disease, with no safe medicine available, it has been heartbreaking,” Krystal said. “This is excellent news. We’re making ground," she added.

Until now, babies have been treated with smaller doses of medicine meant for older children, which experts say can be risky due to their developing bodies.

The new medicine , made by drug company Novartis and known as Coartem Baby or Riamet Baby, aims to close what experts have called a serious “treatment gap.”

Nearly 600,000 people died from malaria in 2023, with most of the deaths in Africa and about three-quarters of them in children under five.

Eight African countries were part of the trials for the new drug and are expected to be among the first to receive it.

The medicine will be rolled out mostly on a not-for-profit basis.

Novartis says the goal is to ensure the smallest and most vulnerable patients are no longer left out of life-saving care.

Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis said , “Together with our partners, we are proud to have gone further to develop the first clinically proven malaria treatment for newborns and young babies. Ensuring even the smallest and most vulnerable can finally receive the care they deserve."

The data highlights the persistent and deadly burden of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, which continue to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually.

The map, colour-coded to highlight this deadly disparity, shows countries in red where mosquito-borne diseases, especially malaria, are the leading cause of death and surpass both homicides and traffic accidents.

These red zones stretch across much of Central and Western Africa, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda , and Cameroon. In contrast, countries in yellow indicate that human-related causes remain the top killers.

According to the WHO, malaria alone killed an estimated 619,000 people in 2021, with the vast majority of deaths occurring in Africa. Children under five account for around 80% of malaria deaths in the region, making it not only a public health emergency but also a humanitarian crisis.

Mosquitoes, primarily the female Anopheles species, transmit the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria. Other diseases like dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever also contribute to the mosquito death toll, though malaria remains the most deadly by far.

The WHO, however, has prioritised malaria in its global health agenda, including the rollout of the RTS,S malaria vaccine , which began pilot programmes in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. While promising, vaccine supply and logistical challenges mean full implementation remains years away.

Efforts are also being made to innovate mosquito control, from genetically modified mosquitoes to drone-assisted larvicide spraying. However, experts warn that climate change may expand mosquito habitats, increasing the risk in new regions.

The situation is driven by a combination of climate-related shocks, public health emergencies, and economic instability, according to a recent UNICEF Zimbabwe humanitarian report .

The crisis is largely attributed to an El Niño-induced drought that has severely disrupted food production, alongside multiple public health threats, including cholera and malaria.

As of April 30, the country had recorded 740 cholera cases and 20 deaths, with a 2% case fatality rate. "The main drivers of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases remain poor access to safe water and inadequate sanitation coverage, particularly in informal settlements such as farming, fishing and artisanal mining communities,” the report stated.

In addition, 125,021 cases of common diarrhoea and 54 associated deaths were recorded by April. Dysentery and typhoid also remain concerns, with 7,588 and 60 suspected cases, respectively, reported since January.

The crisis has extended to the education sector. Since the onset of the rainy season, 92 schools have been damaged, mainly involving collapsed roofs on classroom blocks and teachers’ cottages. “Communities and local authorities are doing what they can to mitigate the impact of heavy rains and ensure the safety of students and teachers,” said the Education Cluster Update .

There has been a marked rise in school absenteeism and dropouts, primarily due to hunger. Emergency teaching materials are being rapidly depleted, leaving gaps in the national response.

In response, UNICEF and its partners have scaled up humanitarian operations. A total of 1,176 health workers, including 611 women and 565 men, have been trained in cholera surveillance and infection control. Nutrition programmes are also being expanded in the 18 most affected districts, with a focus on preventing all forms of malnutrition.

“There is a critical need to expand the coverage of programmes aimed at preventing all forms of malnutrition,” the report noted. “This includes scaling up care groups and strengthening district food and nutrition security committees.”

On May 14, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko will meet with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who arrived in Belarus on May 11 for a working visit, according to Belarusian media reports. The talks will focus on bilateral cooperation and the progress of current and future projects in trade, economy, and investment. President Mnangagwa is also scheduled to visit several enterprises and key locations in Belarus.

Iran and Zimbabwe to hold 9th joint economic commission meeting in Tehran

On the occasion of Zimbabwe’s National Day, Iranian Minister of Labour Meydari announced that the 9th interim meeting of the Iran-Zimbabwe Joint Economic Commission will be held in Tehran to enhance bilateral cooperation. He noted that ongoing coordination by the Iranian and Zimbabwean embassies is expected to facilitate the implementation of existing memoranda of understanding. Meydari congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwean ambassador to Tehran on the country’s 45th independence anniversary. 

Zimbabwean ministers offer conflicting views on state of public healthcare system

Zimbabwean officials maintain that the country’s public healthcare system is functioning adequately, despite public complaints and critical reports from non-governmental organisations. Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Kwidini told parliament that citizens are satisfied with services, claiming improvements have been ongoing since 2018. His remarks followed a public appeal by Youth Minister Tinomuda Machakaire, who used social media to urge President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and address what he described as a deteriorating healthcare system. The contrasting statements have sparked national discussion over the government’s awareness of on-the-ground conditions in public health facilities.

Putin holds bilateral talks with African leaders following Victory Day Parade

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was part of several international figures present in Moscow during the May 9 Victory Day Parade. China's Xi Jinping, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré were some of the notable figures hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to reports , Putin held bilateral discussions with President Mnangagwa and also discussed economic, security, and political cooperation with Burkina Faso’s President Traoré. 

Malaria cases in Zimbabwe rise by 180% in early 2025

The Zimbabwean government has reported a 180% increase in malaria cases during the first 17 weeks of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, rising from 21,309 to 59,647 cases. Malaria-related deaths also rose by 218%, from 45 to 143, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The ministry cited environmental and behavioural factors as key drivers. Increased rainfall, humidity, and temperatures have created ideal mosquito breeding conditions. Simultaneously, greater participation in outdoor activities such as artisanal mining, farming, tobacco curing, and cross-border trading—often during mosquito-active hours—has heightened exposure.

The country is the 19th in Africa to add the malaria vaccine to its routine immunisation program.

The vaccine, called R21/Matrix-M, is given in four doses at six, seven, eight, and 18 months. Health officials say it will help prevent severe malaria cases and save many lives.

Malaria is the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda.

It accounts for 40 percent of outpatient visits, 25 percent of hospital admissions, and 14 percent of hospital deaths.

In 2023, Uganda was among the five African countries with the highest malaria cases, alongside Nigeria , Ethiopia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, urged parents to get their children vaccinated.

"The vaccine is a big step in our fight against malaria. It could prevent at least 800 severe cases every day and save families from spending money on treatment," she said.

Health workers have been trained, and millions of vaccine doses have been sent to health centres across the country.

Officials are also working with community leaders and religious groups to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.

The campaign is supported by Gavi, the World Health Organisation , UNICEF, and other partners.

While the disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medical treatment, the number of people dying from the same is startling. Nearly 600,000 persons died from Malaria globally according to 2023 WHO statistics, with 263 million malaria cases recorded.

Out of this number, 246 million, representing 94% and 569,000 representing 95% respectively were recorded in the WHO African Region.

Children under 5 suffered the most, with about 76% of deaths coming from that category in the region. In this article, we put together a list of countries with some of the highest malaria mortality rates:

1. Nigeria

Nigeria can be said to be leading the malaria burden globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all malaria deaths worldwide. In 2022, the country reported nearly 200,000 malaria-related deaths. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected groups, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% among children aged 6-59 months as of 2021, according to the WHO .

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

As a result of its tropical regions and other major challenges in DRC's healthcare infrastructure, high incidence and mortality rates associated with malaria are consistently recorded in the country. ​The country currently accounts for approximately 12% of global malaria deaths.

3. Niger

Malaria is a leading cause of death in Niger, representing approximately 6% of global malaria deaths. The country's predominantly rural population and limited access to healthcare services make malaria a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. ​

4. Tanzania

Approximately 4% of Tanzanians die globally from malaria deaths, according to the World Health Organisation. Despite ongoing control efforts, malaria remains a major public health issue, particularly affecting children under five years old.

5. Mozambique

Mozambique contributes to approximately 4.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's climate and environmental conditions promote malaria transmission, leading to significant health impacts. 

6. Uganda

Uganda has relatively higher numbers compared to other African countries as far as number of global malaria deaths are concerned. With an estimated 5.1% of global malaria deaths , malaria is endemic across the country, with high transmission rates posing substantial health risks to the population.

7. Angola

Angola represents approximately 3.4% of global malaria deaths. Many, particularly pregnant women and children die from malaria in this part of Africa, according to statistics available to the World Health Organisation.

8. Burkina Faso  

Burkina Faso contributes to about 3.2% of global malaria deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, the high transmission rates are a significant public health concern, especially in rural areas. ​

9. Mali

Mali accounts for approximately 3.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's malaria situation poses ongoing challenges to public health efforts. ​

10. Cameroon

Cameroon represents about 2.6% of global malaria deaths. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with children under five being the most vulnerable.

Here's a video compilation:

The cuts, which have impacted key health programs including HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal and child health services, and disease surveillance efforts, have left what the minister described as a "huge gap" in both funding and service delivery.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said the funding shortfall has already begun to strain hospitals and clinics across the country, many of which relied heavily on US-backed initiatives to maintain basic service levels.

"Yes, the gap that has been created is huge because we are talking of between 300 and 400 million US dollars and we are working towards covering that gap gradually. It's not like it's today we need 300 million, but up to the end of the year. So we cover it as we go," he said.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Commonwealth urged Uganda—a member of the 56-nation group—to free opposition leader Kizza Besigye, arguing that his detention undermines democratic principles and human rights. The Strait Times reports that President Yoweri Museveni, however, dismissed concerns over Besigye's health, accusing his hunger strike of being a blackmail tactic aimed at garnering sympathy to secure bail. As a long-standing critic of Museveni, Besigye’s military court prosecution and nearly three-month incarceration on charges including illegal firearms possession have fuelled public outrage against the government.

Uganda looks to convert 100MW of HFO capacity into gas-to-power plants

The government is set to launch a feasibility study to explore converting 100 MW of liquid-fuelled thermal plant capacity to gas-to-power, with LNG feedstock being one of the options under consideration. Additionally, it is promoting efforts to produce domestic LPG as a strategy to reduce deforestation and mitigate the health impacts associated with biomass use, according to African Energy's Kampala correspondent.

Ugandan president praises Kiplimo's world record half marathon

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, congratulated Jacob Kiplimo for breaking the world half marathon record with a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds at the eDreams Mitja Marato Barcelona, shaving 48 seconds off the previous record. Museveni posted on X, praising the 24-year-old, two-time cross-country world champion, who also used the race as preparation for his debut at the 2025 London Marathon, The Peninsula reported.

Uganda offers to move opposition leader to a civilian court

Uganda will shift opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s case from a military tribunal to a civilian court to comply with a Supreme Court ruling, with the move fast-tracked by Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi. Charged with treason, Besigye—who has been on a hunger strike since February 10—recently appeared frail in court, sparking a public outcry. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has expressed suspicion about the pledge and concern for his health, Africa.com reports.

Minnesotan philanthropist dies from malaria in Uganda

Minnesota woman Khristina Lund died from malaria after spending three weeks in Uganda helping disadvantaged children through her charity, Adored International Ministries. Lund, from Loretto, mistook her symptoms for jet lag until she was hospitalised on Feb. 10 and passed away three days later. Her best friend, Kelly Froehle, expressed deep shock at the loss and hopes to continue Lund’s legacy, as reported by CBS .

A World Health Organisation (WHO) report has revealed that Botswana is unlikely to meet its 2025 malaria reduction target under the Global Technical Strategy (GTS). The 2024 World Malaria Report highlights a 40% rise in malaria case incidence in 2023, citing surveillance challenges as a key issue. The country aimed for a 75% reduction in malaria cases but is not on track, according to the  Sunday Standard .

Botswana supports ending Russia-Ukraine war

Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and its support for the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, welcomed Ukraine’s ambassador, Dr. Oleksiy Syvak, during a courtesy visit, Daily News reports. Keorapetse emphasised the importance of human rights and upholding international law, adding that Botswana’s foreign policy aligns with the UN Charter and peaceful governance.

Health sector revival underway

The government has made significant progress in the health sector as the Ministry of Health (MoH) ramped up efforts to address long surgical waiting lists. Out of 200 orthopaedic patients awaiting treatment, 120 have received surgeries, thanks to resource mobilisation and partnerships with private healthcare providers. According to Mmegi Online , patients have been distributed across Princess Marina Hospital, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, and Mahalapye District Hospital to improve efficiency. According to the Health Ministry, these efforts align with the government’s commitment to universal health coverage.

Feminist groups criticise president’s GBV remarks

Feminist Alliance Botswana (FAB) and the GBV SOS Lobby Group have criticised President Duma Boko’s recent comments on Gender-Based Violence (GBV). During the Cabinet Orientation, the president questioned the categorisation of GBV as a subset of violence, a stance feminist groups described as a missed opportunity to advocate for stronger policies against GBV. In an open letter, the groups urged the President to focus on actionable strategies to combat assaults, harassment, and violence against women and girls, emphasising that GBV is a distinct and critical issue. The groups asserted that the president's remarks “risked undermining the urgency of GBV as a national priority, which we believe should be deemed a state of emergency. We are concerned by remarks suggesting that ministers are being scapegoated for GBV. In a democracy, public accountability is not scapegoating, it is a duty. Citizens have the right to question and evaluate government actions, particularly in crises such as the GBV epidemic," the Guardian Sun quotes.

Botswana votes against UN death penalty moratorium

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Botswana, Zia Choudhury, has expressed concern over Botswana’s decision to vote against a UN resolution for a moratorium on executions. The resolution, aimed at abolishing the death penalty, received support from 130 member states. Sunday Standard reports that Botswana was among the 32 countries that voted against the measure. Choudhury warned that the death penalty makes miscarriages of justice irreversible and urged reconsideration of its use as a punishment.

Miss Botswana 2025 has announced its Top 30 finalists following countrywide auditions. Reigning queen Anicia Gaothusi emphasised the importance of unity and support among contestants during the reveal event. According to Mmegionline , she advised the finalists to embrace their true selves, highlighting authenticity, uniqueness, and resilience as key to succeeding in the competition. The contestants are currently participating in a boot camp at The Escapade, where they will be narrowed down to the Top 20, and eventually to the Top 10 for the finals. Miss Botswana Public Relations Officer Ambrocia Samboko noted that they successfully met their goal of visiting 24 locations during the selection process.

Economic stability

Policymakers and experts from across Africa are gathered in Gaborone, Botswana, for the 2024 African Economic Conference, themed “Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amidst Rising Uncertainty.” The conference will address pressing economic challenges, focusing on resilience through African-led solutions, innovative financing, and technology, People’s Gazette reports. Key highlights include a keynote address by Botswana President Duma Boko, presentations from notable figures like the AfDB Chief Economist Prof. Kevin Urama, and a research competition recognising impactful academic contributions. The event aims to generate actionable recommendations for economic stability, concluding on November 25. Participants can join in person or virtually.

Malaria elimination

Botswana is intensifying efforts to eliminate malaria, having pursued this goal for over a decade despite fluctuating case numbers influenced by climate change and programmatic weaknesses. With cases typically below 1,000 annually, the focus has shifted to enhancing malaria surveillance systems through timely data collection and analysis. The Botswana Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO experts, is working to improve data reporting and inform decision-making using the DHIS2 reporting tool. National Malaria Program Officer Dr. Lisani Ntoni expressed hopes for increased confidence among users in utilizing the system, while Public Health Director Sam Kolane emphasised that strengthening health informatics capacity aligns with the Ministry's digitalisation goals.

Funding visually impaired surgeries

Collaborative efforts in Botswana have raised P315,000 ($23,056) to support the visually impaired by funding cataract surgeries and refurbishing the Mochudi Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired. Cataracts account for 46.9% of blindness cases in Botswana, and over 20,000 individuals are waiting for surgeries. Medlane is funding 15 cataract surgeries at P11,000 ($805.14) each, which will restore not just sight, but also independence for patients, according to Mmegionline . Meanwhile, Agora Club Botswana is leading a P150,000 refurbishment project for the centre, enhancing the living conditions for 40 children with visual impairments and learning challenges. The initiatives highlight the importance of healthcare and education in supporting vulnerable populations and aim to inspire community engagement for sustainable solutions.

Economic diversification

Botswana, heavily reliant on diamonds for 80% of its foreign earnings, is diversifying its economy following a 60% drop in diamond revenues, Africa.com reports. President Duma Boko's government aims to attract investment in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology, while also focusing on job creation in manufacturing, construction, and fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovation.

Recent findings from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute, reveal a concerning link between climate change and rising malaria cases in northern Kenya. While the overall malaria prevalence has decreased from 8% to 6% from 2015 to 2020, certain areas, particularly Turkana, have experienced a significant increase in malaria risk, attributed to heightened rainfall and temperature that create ideal breeding habitats for Anopheles mosquitoes. This situation underscores the necessity for targeted public health interventions that accommodate local environmental variances, as well as the need for innovative approaches to safeguard vulnerable populations against climate-induced health risks, MedicalXpress reports.

Ruling on finance law

Kenya's Supreme Court has reversed the previous appeals court's ruling that deemed the 2023 finance law unconstitutional, representing a crucial win for President William Ruto's administration. According to US News , the finance law, which incorporates tax hikes on fuel and introduces a housing levy, has spurred protests that led to the rescindment of this year's finance bill. Following this ruling, the government is now enabled to continue tax collection, with President Ruto asserting the indispensability of such tax increases for funding development projects and curbing public debt. Additionally, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is poised to approve a new funding tranche for the nation, contingent on this judicial decision.

School feeding programme

In a bid to bolster nutrition and education, President Ruto has unveiled an extensive initiative aimed at expanding the national school feeding programme from catering to 2.6 million students up to 10 million by 2030. Lauded at the Global School Meals Coalition meeting, this strategy involves tripling the programme's budget to enhance nutritional access, elevate learning outcomes, and promote community development. With its origins tracing back to 1966 and substantial evolution due to partnerships with the World Food Programme, this program now prioritises sustainable practices and local sourcing, which concurrently supports local economies. Local news reports say that Ruto's administration is appealing for international partnerships to ensure universal educational access through proper dietary provisions.

Kenya-UK Bilateral talks

In the Kenya-UK Bilateral Talks, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi engaged with the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy, to fortify strategic links between the two nations. Their discussions highlighted key areas such as Kenya's developmental progress, governance clarity, and regional stability. Particular attention was given to initiatives around green industrialisation and youth empowerment, encapsulated in Action Plan Five. Mudavadi's proposal for an IMF diagnostic review of corruption signifies a commitment to improving accountability and transparency. Attention was also directed towards regional crises, specifically in Sudan and Somalia, acknowledging UK support for peace-building in South Sudan, Mwakilishi reports. The dialogue reaffirms Kenya's pivotal role in global security, emphasising its leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, while also addressing fiscal hurdles faced by the nation, including an alarming Sh350 billion (approximately $2.7 billion) deficit requiring a reassessment of developmental priorities.

Murder

In a tragic turn of events, two Kenyan individuals, Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, have been convicted of the murder of Ugandan Olympian runner Benjamin Kiplagat, the Jamaica Observer reports. The Eldoret High Court presented compelling evidence, including CCTV footage, capturing the accused pursuing Kiplagat on the fateful New Year's Eve. As a distinguished athlete, Kiplagat had an impressive 18-year career representing Uganda before his untimely demise at the age of 34. Following a comprehensive nine-month trial, sentencing for Khalumi and Lokere has been scheduled for November 4, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victim and his community.

WHO declares Egypt malaria-free

Egypt has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after decade-long efforts by the country to eliminate the disease. This makes Egypt the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve the feat. The other two are the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. Read more here .

Nigeria's Tinubu names seven ministers, sacks five in cabinet reshuffle

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his 45-member cabinet, naming seven new ministers, sacking five and reassigning 10 others to new portfolios, a spokesperson said on October 23. The ministers of finance, defence, national planning and two junior energy ministers all retained their positions. Read more here .

600 million Africans without electricity: This company has a wind-powered solution

Co-founder of Minagie Energy, a Ghanaian-based company is addressing the energy needs of some 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to electricity. Read more here .

Asia

Vietnam closes major airports amid typhoon warning

Vietnam closed four major airports on October 27 as Typhoon Trami threatened. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) announced that the closures aim to keep air travellers safe from the typhoon, which could bring heavy rainfall and high winds to central Vietnam. The country is also restricting coastal activities to help limit storm damage. Read more here .

We’re still not at our destination: Filipino actor Miles Ocampo on film’s global growth

Popular Filipino actress Miles Ocampo has shared her insights on the growth of the Filippino film industry in an exclusive interview with Global South World, acknowledging both achievements and areas for improvement. Read more here .

Scores of illegal Indian migrants deported from US

An unspecified number of Indian nationals have been returned to their home country through a ‘charter removal flight’ conducted by the United States. The migrants who couldn’t establish legal basis to remain in the US were removed as part of ongoing repatriation efforts by the US. Read more here .

Latin America

World’s first vaccine to neuter dogs for a year is launched in Chile

Chile has introduced a vaccine that neuters dogs for a year, offering an alternative to permanent surgical castration. Described as the first of its kind globally, the vaccine prevents sexual behaviour and reproduction, according to its creators. Saenz and his team have been developing the vaccine since 2009, and it began distribution in Chile this month. Read more here .

In Guatemala, families mourn the migrants who never reached the USA

Relatives of a couple from Guatemala who drowned while trying to travel through the River Rio Grande to the US have paid their last respects. Rossanna and Widman drowned as they tried to wade across the notorious part of the river that links Piedras Negras, Mexico, with Eagle Pass, Texas, on Feb. 24, just two among the hundreds of people who lose their lives trying to cross into the U.S. every year. Dozens of community members filed through the streets to mourn the popular 26-year-old, often called by his middle name Alex. Rossanna, his 25-year-old partner, was buried in San Juan La Laguna, near her family. Read more here .

Argentina’s government overhauls tax agency amidst austerity measures and rising poverty

Argentina’s government announced the restructuring of its tax system on Monday, October 21, as part of ongoing austerity measures aimed at improving the nation’s financial stability. Xinhua reports that the Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP) will replace the newly established Tax Collection and Customs Control Agency, designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Director General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the government and citizens while urging other countries to draw inspiration from this.

 “Great news: #Egypt is malaria-free!” Dr Tedros wrote on X . “This certification is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge. I congratulate Egypt on this achievement, which is an inspiration to other countries in the region, and shows what’s possible with the right resources and the right tools.”

Egypt initiated its strategy towards the elimination of malaria in the 1920s. They established the malaria control facility and initiated strategies to decrease interaction between humans and mosquitoes.

According to the World Health Organisation , the certification of malaria elimination requires the elimination of the four main human parasite species: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae.

A country or area certified once it has been proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the chain of mosquito-borne transmission has been interrupted nationwide, resulting in zero indigenous malaria cases for at least the past 3 consecutive years.

The WHO also looks out for a programme in place for preventing the re-establishment of transmission (24). No countries were certified malaria-free in 2022, but three countries – Azerbaijan, Belize and Tajikistan – were granted certification in 2023.

So far, an estimated forty-four countries have been declared malaria-free globally.

Malaria kills more than 600,000 people every year, 95 percent of them in Africa, according to the WHO.

The R21 vaccine expected to be cost-free to citizens was developed by scientists at the Oxford University and made by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax.

A total of 1 million vaccine doses are expected to arrive in the country by the end of October.

So far, 846,200 doses of the vaccine have already been secured in partnership with the global vaccine group Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). 153,800 more are expected to follow.

It will be administered in four doses.

According to Nigerian Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, the first phase of the rollout will begin in Kebbi and Bayelsa where high numbers of malaria cases have been recorded.

Over 800,000 doses are set to be distributed during the first phase. Children under one year of age will be mandated to take the vaccine as part of the country’s routine immunisation programme.

"The arrival of the malaria vaccine is a monumental step in our national efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality," Pate was quoted in a joint press release by the partners.

Nigeria is the third country to receive the vaccines following its launch in Ghana and Kenya in 2023.

According to the 2023 World Malaria Report , nearly 200,000 deaths from malaria occurred in Nigeria. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected, the report further noted.

Malaria, a disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, has long been a burden in Africa with children under five being overly affected. The disease's transmission is closely tied to climate conditions that are conducive to mosquito and parasite development. As such, climate changes can alter the geographic and seasonal suitability for transmission.

The University of Leeds study suggests that the increasingly inhospitable conditions for mosquitoes in some parts of Africa could lead to a reduction in malaria cases. Similarly, the Malaria Journal article highlights that while there may be a net gain in the number of people at risk due to geographic shifts, the overall trend could be a reduction in year-round transmission risk, particularly in Western Africa.

According to the study, “Future malaria environmental suitability in Africa is sensitive to hydrology,” shifting geographic risk and seasonality of malaria transmission are expected. The worst-case scenario under the RCP8.5 greenhouse gas emissions pathway predicts an additional 75.9 million people at risk from endemic exposure to malaria in Eastern and Southern Africa by 2080. However, despite a reduction in season length, a net gain of 51.3 million additional people could be at some level of risk in Western Africa by mid-century.

While the potential reduction in malaria risk is a welcome development, it is not without its challenges. Health systems in Africa, already under strain, must adapt to these changing patterns.

The Professor of Climate Risks & Environmental Modelling, who co-authored the study and assisted in orchestrating water modelling experiments, Simon Gosling , has cautioned that the climate change actions would, however, result in diminished water availability and heightened susceptibility to another notable illness, dengue.

Prior evaluations across Africa typically "solely represent surface water using precipitation". In contrast, the authors of the recent study employed a weighted ensemble of global hydrological and climate models to gauge current and projected regions of hydroclimatic suitability for malaria transmission.

A World Bank report further emphasises the worsening impact of climate change on health in Ghana, underscoring the need for improved health facilities and resources to address the evolving landscape of public health threats.

Zambia is seeking to learn from China's successful malaria elimination efforts to speed up its own pace. According to Africa Xinhuanet , the country aims to eliminate malaria by 2030 and plans to begin using malaria vaccines next year. Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Zambia, accounting for 30% of the disease burden. Zambia is also facing challenges such as poor adherence to interventions and lack of local production of drugs. Pregnant women and children under five are the most vulnerable to malaria, and the government is prioritising services for these groups. China has provided support to the malaria fight, including the provision of vehicles and laboratory equipment, as well as training programs.

Wasteful spending on laptops

A Bloomberg report shows that a review of Zambia’s public debt revealed exaggerated expenses and careless expenditures, such as the government's acquisition of excessively priced computers and laptops for public schools lacking electricity. Among the loans scrutinised in the audit was one used to procure 10,000 laptops at $3,900 each, significantly higher than their estimated cost of $630, as outlined in the report by the Zambian Office of the Auditor General released recently. The government's excess expenditure on laptops and desktop computers amounted to approximately $96 million, according to the report. This highlights how Zambia has ended up defaulting on its $13.4 billion in loans.

Increase in annual inflation

Zambia's annual inflation rate has reached its highest level in 26 months and shows signs of further escalation due to a severe drought in some regions and ongoing currency depreciation, which are driving up prices. Statistician-General Mulenga Musepa disclosed that consumer prices surged by 13.8% in April, slightly surpassing the 13.7% recorded in the previous month. Monthly, prices increased by 1%, down from 1.2% in March, as reported in Lusaka, the capital, on Thursday. Bloomberg adds that, since the beginning of March, the kwacha has depreciated by approximately 10% against the dollar, making it the world's second-worst-performing currency during this period. The surge in demand for dollars in Zambia can be attributed in part to a drought induced by El Niño, resulting in crop failures and necessitating increased food imports for the southern African nation.

Drought-induced emergencies

Southern Africa is facing widespread droughts, leading to national emergencies in countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe. In response, the Water Convention and its partners convened a workshop in Zambia to strengthen transboundary water cooperation and develop solutions. Social News XYZ explains that the focus was on sharing challenges, problem-solving, and exchanging good practices on water allocation agreements and other transboundary arrangements, to mitigate potential conflicts and support hydro-diplomacy and peace. The workshop was organized with funding and technical support from various organizations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the European Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Zambia also aims to be a party to the Convention by the 10th Meeting of the Parties in October 2024.

Electric battery manufacturing plant

Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga has announced the completion of feasibility studies for an electric battery manufacturing plant. In April 2022, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo inked cooperative agreements to pursue electric battery production. Last August, Mulenga informed the nation that feasibility studies for the project were 45% complete, highlighting the ample raw materials sourced from FQM’s Enterprise Nickel Mine in Kalumbila District for electric car battery manufacturing. Mulenga on April 24, however, informed News Diggers that his team has finalised their study and plans to update President Hakainde Hichilema on its findings next week.

As the world marks World Malaria Day, GSW puts the spotlight on an African researcher whose invention could help eradicate malaria entirely in the world’s most affected region.

Watch this interview:

How does the gene drive technology work?

Through Gene Drive Technology, a lead investigator of Target Malaria in Burkina Faso Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté and his team of researchers, have identified potential methods to genetically modify mosquitoes. This will alter their fertility and render them resistant to the Plasmodium parasites responsible for malaria.

In an interview with GSW’s Wonder Hagan, Professor Diabaté explained that by altering the reproductive capabilities of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, their population decreases. Alternatively, these mosquitoes are genetically engineered to resist Plasmodium, resulting in reduced malaria transmission and ultimately aiming for complete eradication.

When will Africa start seeing results?

The technology is anticipated to commence full implementation within a timeframe of four to five years, progressing through three phases. The first phase, initiated in Burkina Faso, involved the deployment of genetically modified non-gene drive sterile male mosquitoes. Despite mating with wild females, these specimens failed to yield any offspring.

“This was done intentionally to get scientific data to inform the next step, build capacity on the ground, test the regulatory system to make sure it's ready for the gene drive,” he said.

The second phase which is yet to be tested is expected to build on the first with the release of another batch of non-gene drive mosquitoes. This will be followed by the third and final phase where the gene drive technology will be rolled out.

I s this an improvement on treated bed nets and malaria vaccines?

The gene drive is expected to produce more sustainable results compared to other conventional tools like bed nets and insecticides. Although Prof. Diabaté acknowledges the successes clocked with the introduction of treated bed nets and in recent times the RTS,S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccines, he maintains that factors including logistics and compliance may pose limitations to the sustainability and effeciency of these methods.

“Not just a single tool will be able to eliminate malaria in Africa. We are very happy and convinced that the vaccine will have a very big impact on reducing the death tolls and malaria cases in many places. But it might be very difficult to think that the vaccine will be able to eliminate completely malaria in Africa for several reasons, the logistics of deploying and the compliance. It's very good that we have the vaccines, and we have to celebrate because it is the first time, but still, we need to expand our toolbox so that we can include other things that can take care of some residual pockets of malaria transmission where the vaccine may not have the potential to reach all these people, he noted.

“With the gene drive, you don’t have to worry about that because really, when you release it in a public space somewhere, it is going to cover everybody,” he continued.

Will the new technology affect the ecosystem?

With rising concerns about the possible effects of the gene drive on the environment and the ecosystem, Prof. Diabaté indicated that extensive research is being conducted in that area to ensure the potential risks are identified and solutions proposed before the final rollout of the project. He also underscored the importance of regulation and stakeholder consent in ensuring the successful implementation of the program.

“There are so many other things that we have to solve first, that is the stakeholder activities to make sure that we have the public’s acceptance, and that really takes time and then we have the regulatory as well, because when it comes to gene drive, you release a mosquito in Burkina Faso, they don’t respect any human borders. We have to be very critical and look at all the potential risks that we could have and make sure that we have a very clear identification of these risks and if anything how do we mitigate them?".

What was your motivation?

Prof Diabaté, a victim of malaria himself, said he decided to pursue research to discover sustainable ways to eliminate the disease on the continent.

“All my life basically I’ve been experiencing malaria, several episodes, I can’t even tell you how many episodes. Everyone all my relatives, everybody that I know, they’ve all been through malaria episodes and I’m a father today, and I’ve been experiencing malaria through my kids. It’s made things very difficult so anything that can come and help is good really to take," he noted

Who is Prof Abdoulaye Diabaté?

Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté joined Target Malaria in 2012 when he established Target Malaria Burkina Faso. He has since become a leader in malaria research and genetic approaches to malaria reduction in Africa. He returned to Burkina Faso in 2009, after studying at the University of Montpellier II in France in 2003 and pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship in 2005/2009 at the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA. He now works at the Research Institute in Health Sciences heading the medical entomology laboratory.

Professor Diabaté has many laurels to his name and was recently named one of the 10 global winners of the prestigious  Falling Walls  Science & Innovation Prize  2023.

Cameroon has clocked a milestone as the first country in the world to roll out a routine vaccine programme against malaria. The move targeted at reducing malaria in children will see the country offer the RTS,S vaccine to all infants up to the age of six months old at no cost. According to Cameroon Online , the vaccine is known to be effective in at least 36% of cases. The development of the RTS,S vaccine took over 30 years of research by the British drug maker GSK. The drug has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which has hailed Cameroon for the historical project.

Gold production

Acting Minister of Mines, Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry has met with miners operating in the Eastern region to talk about issues regarding the advancement of gold production in Cameroon. The miners were invited to migrate to small mines by adopting the “Carbon in Leach” leaching system, a closed, modern, and adapted system that makes it possible to control the production of gold in the quarries.  A joint project monitoring committee made up of geologists, the National Brigade and Mining Engineers has been set up for this purpose, according to Journal Du Cameroun .

Stampede kills students

At least ten students lost their lives during a stampede at the Lycée Bilingue d’Etoug-Ebe, located in the political capital Yaoundé on January 22, 2024. Cameroon Online reported that the students who were late for school were rushing to enter the school’s gate which had earlier been closed. Many students were reported dead and about 106 others were injured.

Government appointments

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has appointed a retired senior state official and former Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Ngole Philp Ngwese to the post of High Commissioner of Cameroon to Canada. According to Cameroon Info, the interim High Commissioner in Canada for the country, Philippe Fouda Tsilla will hand over power to the sixty-year-old. “In this happy circumstance, the High Commission joins the Cameroonian diaspora in Canada to send its warm and hearty congratulations to the new head of diplomatic mission,” a statement signed on January 18 by the outgoing Fouda Tsilla was quoted by Cameroon Info .

AFCON

Captain of the Cameroon National Football Team also known as the Indomitable Lions has not participated in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abijan since the start of the tournament. Vincent Aboubakar suffered an injury in his left thigh during training, leading to his withdrawal from the games. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a slight musculo-aponeurotic separation classified grade 1, the doctor of the Cameroonian selection was quoted by Actu Cameroun in a statement. The team is set to face the Gambia on January 23, 3023 at the Stade De Bouaké for the 3 rd and final day of Group C games. The Indomitable Lions are seeking to qualify for the round of 16.

The accomplishment by the West African Island state was announced by the WHO on January 12.

According to the WHO , the certification is given to a nation upon presentation of thorough and reliable evidence demonstrating that the nationwide chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been broken for at least the previous three years.

“I salute the government and people of Cabo Verde for their unwavering commitment and resilience in their journey to eliminating malaria,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement.

Cape Verde´s Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva also said, “The certification as a malaria-free country has a huge impact, and it's taken a long time to get to this point. In terms of the country's external image, this is very good, both for tourism and for everyone else. The challenge that Cabo Verde has overcome in the health system is being recognized.”

The African continent has the greatest malaria burden, in 2022, the continent’s 233 million cases represented 94% of the total cases recorded globally and its 580 000 malaria deaths also represented 95% of the global malaria deaths, the WHO in 2023 reported.

In November 2023, 330,000 doses of the RTS,S malaria vaccines were shipped to Africa to help with the continent’s fight against the killer disease.

Chinese spies offered an army lieutenant colonel US$15 million in exchange for him defecting to China via helicopter, provided that he did so on a sizable military helicopter. A lieutenant colonel named Hsieh was detained by the Taiwan High Prosecutor's Office in August on suspicion of being enlisted by Chinese agents, according to local media Liberty Times . Hsieh intended to land on a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship when it got close to the median line of the Taiwan Strait. He was to be compensated US$15 million upon completion of his defection. However, prosecutors arrested Hsieh before he could carry out the plan, according to Liberty Times.

First malaria death in 18 years

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that the East Asian nation recorded its first malaria death in 18 years. CDC deputy director confirmed that a 50-year-old man died earlier this month after a trip from Nigeria. Six days after the onset of the symptoms, he passed away from septic shock, cerebral oedema, and multiple organ failure. According to local media Taipei Times , Taiwan has in 2023 reported five imported cases of malaria: two from Ethiopia, one each from the Ivory Coast, India, and Nigeria.

Annual minimum wage review

The Taiwanese Legislative Yuan on December 12, passed the Minimum Wage Act, which imposes yearly wage reviews and fines on employers who fail to pay their employees the minimum wage stated in labour agreements. The Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Legislature adopted the act on October 8, which was a campaign pledge made by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. The act stipulates that the Ministry of Labour must set up a minimum wage review committee. This body would meet annually in the third quarter to evaluate potential increases to the minimum wage, Taipei Times reports.

Chinese military aircraft

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked seven Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between December 12 and December 13. According to the MND, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed air defence missile systems to track the activity of the People’s Liberation Army. Beijing has deployed 84 navy vessels and 116 combat planes around Taiwan this December. According to Taiwan News , China has been using more "grey zone" tactics since September 2020, gradually expanding the number of military aircraft and naval vessels that are in the Taiwan area.

Economic espionage

Taiwan has enacted amendments to its National Security Act, imposing increased penalties for economic espionage and the extraterritorial use of core key technologies' trade secrets. The 2022 amendments impose harsher penalties for aiding China, Hong Kong, Macau, or foreign hostile forces in obtaining, using, or leaking trade secrets of Taiwan's key technologies. Offenders can face imprisonment for five to 12 years or a fine of NT$5 million to NT$100 million (US$158,670 to US$3.17 million), Taipei Times reports.

Despite the availability of effective interventions and global efforts, the disease poses a major threat to public health and economic development. Africa loses about $12 billion per year in economic productivity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.

Over the years, Africa has received aid from international bodies like the CDC and the WHO to mitigate the impact of the disease on the continent.

The scale-up of malaria prevention and treatment interventions has resulted in a 36% reduction in malaria deaths in Africa between 2000 and 2021, the CDC reported.

Over 330,000 doses of the WHO-recommended malaria vaccine (RTS,S) arrived in Cameroon in November, and several African countries are currently finalising plans for roll-out. Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone are scheduled to receive an additional 1.7 million doses in the coming weeks.

The WHO vaccine is an advance toward more widespread immunisation against one of the most deadly illnesses for children in Africa. Roughly 80% of malaria deaths in the region were children under 5, WHO reports.

Although the African continent has been known to be affected the most by the disease, the WHO reports that in 2021, across 84 countries, 247 million people contracted malaria and nearly half of the world’s population were at risk of contracting the disease.

The WHO’s Malaria report claims that the RTS,S vaccine has been shown to reduce malaria cases and deaths in children living in regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.

The vaccine coupled with other interventions such as insecticide-treated nets, antimalarial drugs and malaria preventive measures could potentially signal Africa’s last dance with the deadly disease.

"I want to congratulate the Ugandan scientists for really waking up. It was only in 1865 that Louis Pasteur found out that there were other organs amongst us beyond the naked eye... He was able to see bacteria which cause fermentation in milk, the whole world didn't know there were other organisms around us… I thank scientists from the US and China for working with you," the President at the commissioning ceremony on November 28 said.

UNICEF , as of February 2023, has been acquiring malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), since 2008 with an average of 10–11 million tests annually since 2011.