The health of southern Africa still depends on controlling and eradicating malaria, and cross-border cooperation is essential to achieve this aim.
The South African Medical Research Council Malaria Research Group (MRG) and the Department of Health organised the 7th Malaria Research Conference, which brought attention to this.
The conference, which is now taking place, primarily focuses on the advancements made in reaching the department’s objective of eradicating malaria by 2025, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since malaria transmission has significantly decreased, particularly in the southern African region, certain nations, including South Africa, have started an elimination agenda, according to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
Eight of the 16 members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are aiming for eradication by 2030.
Additionally, one of the conference’s theme areas, cross-border malaria, seriously jeopardises the nation’s attempts to eradicate the disease.
According to the SAMRC, this is the rationale behind why international cooperation is essential to advancing the corpus of knowledge and research.
By supporting high-quality scientific research and creative techniques that inform the development of policy, health services, health promotion, and capacity development, the parastatal medical research organisation also aims to improve the health status and quality of life of people living in malaria-endemic areas.
“Researchers and control professionals need to work together to accomplish elimination as translational research is the key to overcome problems intensified by the COVID-19 epidemic,” stated Professor Rajendra Maharaj, Director of the SAMRC Office of Malaria Research.
The MRG has since created a prioritised research agenda in collaboration with the department to encourage networking and collaboration among various stakeholders and to coordinate efforts in malaria research toward a shared objective.
Dr. Joe Phaahla, South Africa’s health minister, emphasised the country’s aim to eradicate the fatal illness by 2025.
He thinks that in order to inform implementation policies, cutting-edge technologies and pertinent research are needed.
According to Phaahla, neighbouring nations like eSwatini and Mozambique are aiming to eradicate malaria.
But he insisted that all partners and governments must work together concertedly if success is to be achieved.
“Malaria has no national boundaries, and the mosquito does not respect any particular airspace.
Therefore, regional and international alliances and collaborations are essential for elimination, according to the Minister.
Phaahla asserts that communities in endemic provinces and regions must be more aware of the need for these tools and technology in order for them to be effective.
“Community advocacy and awareness initiatives will make people aware of the ongoing need for malaria control efforts and interventions.