African Union Commissioner of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, has said Africa has made significant progress in the fight against malaria, with prevention and control interventions expanding across the continent.

Speaking at the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit on July 21, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the African Union Commissioner noted that the continent has recorded important gains in public health over the years, particularly in tackling infectious diseases.

She said the expansion of malaria prevention and control measures, alongside improved access to HIV treatment and better maternal and child health services, demonstrates Africa's growing capacity to respond to major health challenges.

"Millions of people living with HIV now have access to life-saving treatment, malaria prevention and control have expanded, and maternal and child survival has improved," she said.

Amb. Twum-Amoah added that African institutions have also demonstrated their ability to coordinate effective responses to public health emergencies, describing the achievements as evidence of the continent's resilience and commitment to improving healthcare.

However, she cautioned against complacency, stressing that malaria continues to exact a heavy toll on the continent.

She said the continent must sustain investments in prevention, strengthen healthcare systems and increase domestic financing to accelerate progress towards ending malaria and other preventable diseases.

The AU Extraordinary Health Summit is bringing together ministers, development partners and health experts to develop a roadmap for advancing universal health coverage and strengthening health systems across Africa.