African Leaders Malaria Alliance

African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) is a groundbreaking coalition of African heads of state and government working together to eliminate malaria from the African continent. Established in 2009, ALMA aims to drive accountability, action, and advocacy to fight malaria, a disease that disproportionately affects the African region. The alliance leverages the collective influence and resources of its members to mobilize political will and operational support for malaria control and elimination efforts across Africa.

History and Formation

The inception of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance in 2009 was a response to the urgent need for high-level political commitment towards eradicating malaria in Africa. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the continent, particularly among children under five years of age and pregnant women. The formation of ALMA signified a united African leadership front against the disease, aligning with global health initiatives and complementing existing regional and national malaria control programs.

Objectives and Goals

ALMA's primary objectives include:

• Enhancing access to effective malaria control interventions across member countries.
• Mobilizing resources and increasing funding for malaria control and elimination.
• Promoting innovation and the adoption of new tools in the fight against malaria.
• Strengthening health systems to better manage and sustain malaria control efforts.
• Advocating for policy changes at both the regional and global levels to support malaria elimination.

Key Initiatives

ALMA has launched several initiatives to achieve its goals, including:

• The ALMA Scorecard for Accountability and Action: An innovative tool that tracks progress and identifies gaps in the malaria response across member countries.
• The Zero Malaria Starts with Me campaign: A continent-wide public engagement campaign encouraging personal and political commitment to malaria elimination.
• Advocacy for increased domestic and international funding for malaria control and elimination efforts.

Membership

Membership in the African Leaders Malaria Alliance is open to all African countries committed to the fight against malaria. As of the last update, the alliance boasts membership from over 40 African countries, demonstrating a significant continental commitment to eradicating the disease.

Impact and Achievements

Since its establishment, ALMA has made considerable progress in the fight against malaria. The alliance's efforts have contributed to increased political commitment, improved access to malaria prevention and treatment services, and enhanced accountability mechanisms at the national and regional levels. However, challenges remain, including the emergence of drug-resistant malaria strains and the need for sustained funding and political will to achieve malaria elimination.

Future Directions

Looking forward, ALMA continues to focus on innovative strategies to combat malaria, including the adoption of new technologies and strengthening cross-border collaborations. The alliance also aims to expand its role in advocating for global health security and addressing other diseases that impact the continent, leveraging its platform to foster a healthier Africa.