Speak Up Africa launches Francophone Anti-Malaria Campaign

IVORY COAST—Speak Up Africa, in partnership with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), and Malaria No More UK, has launched the Francophone chapter of the Change the Story campaign.

This initiative was unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, aiming to amplify the voices of women and girls and to mobilize the African private sector to accelerate malaria elimination efforts.

The campaign launch coincides with a critical moment as the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment approaches amid rising funding gaps.

The year 2025 is seen as pivotal to unlocking new resources and scaling up impact in the fight against malaria.

Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, emphasized that this is the time for Africa’s private sector to co-invest for impact, noting that when the private sector leads, global attention follows.

He highlighted that investments in the Global Fund have saved millions of lives and strengthened health systems, and that continued support is essential to protect both economic resilience and public health.

Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA and Board Chair of the RBM Partnership, called on businesses to provide direct or in-kind support to national malaria control programs, contribute to the Global Fund’s replenishment, join End Malaria Councils to drive advocacy and resource mobilization, and invest in the new Voix EssentiELLEs Fund for Malaria Elimination.

This fund focuses on women-led, community-driven malaria elimination efforts in Francophone Africa.

Phumaphi stressed the need for bold action and affirmed the private sector as a vital partner in Africa’s fight against malaria.

By engaging in these initiatives, companies can unlock innovations and resources to protect lives, power economies, and achieve a malaria-free future.

The Voix EssentiELLEs Fund, launched at the event, aims to raise US$4 million by 2030 to support flexible malaria funding for women and girls, as well as regional advocacy aligned with national priorities.

Pierre N’gou Dimba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, highlighted the urgency of securing new and diversified funding sources to avoid losing progress against malaria.

 She noted the private sector’s direct stake in malaria elimination, emphasizing that healthy communities are the foundation of thriving economies.

She also pointed out that women and girls bear the greatest burden of malaria but remain underrepresented in decision-making and funding.

Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, reinforced that investing in women and girls accelerates development.

Women leaders strengthen communities, drive innovation, and help lift families out of poverty.

She cited that every US$1 invested in malaria control yields up to US$60 in economic returns.

Djibo added, “Malaria-free communities are not just healthier, they are more resilient, productive, and profitable.”

A 2024 study supports this, showing that reducing malaria incidence by 90% by 2030 could increase Africa’s GDP by approximately US$127 billion.

Malaria is not only a health issue but also an economic barrier that weakens productivity, increases household expenses, and limits growth.

As part of ongoing efforts with the private sector, Speak Up Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canal+ Côte d’Ivoire and the National Malaria Control Program.

This builds on a five-year collaboration with Canal+ Group, which has contributed over US$1.5 million in airtime and in-kind support.

Adama Koné, Director General of Canal+ Côte d’Ivoire, expressed pride in using their platform to raise awareness and contribute to ending malaria in Africa, affirming their commitment alongside Speak Up Africa and partners to change the story and end malaria on the continent.

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