The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic is testing the resilience of even the most robust of healthcare systems. Now more than ever, we’re reminded how vital it is we work together, so every country has a fair chance to beat not just this pandemic but malaria too.
 
Right now, vital anti-malaria programmes such as spraying, mosquito net distribution and essential testing and treatment are all threatened as lockdowns are implemented, and the coronavirus takes hold in malaria-endemic countries.
 
We know from previous disease outbreaks that when they hit malaria-affected countries, deaths from malaria can rise even higher. In 2014, when Ebola overwhelmed many healthcare systems, vital funds were diverted away from malaria. It’s estimated there was a 7,000 increase in malaria-associated deaths for children under 5 in the countries hit by Ebola.
 
Governments and the international community must come together to help countries facing coronavirus and malaria. We must help the poorest and most vulnerable, so they are not put at even higher risk
 
Many countries are on the brink of eliminating malaria. We can beat it entirely within a generation, but only if the gains we have made to date are not lost during the current health crisis.
 
On 25 April it will be World Malaria Day, this is a chance for us to mark the successes that have been made in beating malaria, highlight the responsibility we all have to end it and urge leaders to step up to the fight.

So please join us on the social media channels below to make sure this deadly disease isn’t forgotten during the coronavirus pandemic.