The recent stalling of global progress on malaria has been further compounded by COVID-19. How can countries safely maintain essential malaria services during the pandemic? What actions are needed now to secure a strong footing for future success in tackling malaria and other urgent health challenges?
Two virtual forums on 3-4 September took stock of the current situation in countries affected by both malaria and COVID-19, including successes, pain points, best practices and lessons learned. On day 1, participants heard from country-based experts about the incredible work that has been done to maintain critical malaria services. Their shared insights informed the discussions on day 2 with national and global health leaders.
Speakers and agenda
Day 1: Voices from the field
Country perspectives
- Dr Dorothy Achu, Ministry of Health, Cameroon
- Dr Mariam Adam, WHO, Sudan
- Dr Baltazar Candrinho, Ministry of Health, Mozambique
- Dr Neeraj Dhingra, Ministry of Health, India
- Dr Helene Hiwat, Ministry of Health, Suriname
- Dr Paola Marchesini, Ministry of Health, Brazil
- Dr Olugbenga Mokuolu, Ministry of Health, Nigeria
- Dr Jimmy Opigo, Ministry of Health, Uganda
- Dr Harriet Pasquale, Ministry of Health, South Sudan
- Dr Sovannaroth Siv, Ministry of Health, Cambodia
Other speakers
- Dr Pedro Alonso, Director, WHO Global Malaria Programme
- Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria
- Dr David Reddy, CEO, Medicines for Malaria Venture
- Dr Melanie Renshaw, Co-Chair of the Country and Regional Support Partnership Committee, RBM Partnership to End Malaria
- Dr Michel Yao, Director, Strategic Health Operations, WHO
Day 2: Rising to the challenge
- Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, Uganda
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
- Dr Rajesh Bhushan, Health Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India
- Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria
- Dr Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa, WHO
- Dr David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the WHO Director-General on COVID-19
- Dr Mirta Roses Periago, Director Emeritus of the Pan American Health Organization and Board Member of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria
- Mr Peter Sands, Executive Director, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- Dr Philip Welkhoff, Director for Malaria, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Dr Dyann Wirth, Chair, WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Committee