Africa continues to bear the overwhelming burden of malaria, accounting for approximately 94 per cent of global malaria cases and 95 per cent of malaria-related deaths, African Union Commissioner of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah has revealed.

Speaking at the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra on July 21, she described the figures as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustained investment in malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment across the continent.

According to Amb. Twum-Amoah, the impact of malaria extends beyond health, affecting families, economies and the future of millions of African children.

"Behind these figures are children who never reach their fifth birthday, families pushed deeper into poverty and economies deprived of human potential," she said.

While acknowledging progress in expanding malaria prevention and control programmes, she stressed that the disease remains one of Africa's greatest public health challenges.

''Africa still accounts for about 94 per cent of global malaria cases and 95 per cent of malaria-related deaths, with many of the victims being children under the age of five.''

Amb. Twum-Amoah called on African governments to strengthen primary healthcare systems, improve access to essential medicines and increase domestic financing for health to reduce preventable deaths.

She said achieving the African Union's health targets will require stronger political commitment, greater investment and coordinated action to end malaria as a major public health threat.

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