Kenyan Govt calls for domestic mobilization for malaria funds

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni has called on African countries to shift towards mobilising domestic resources for the fight against malaria.

She spoke at the 2025 End Malaria Councils (EMCs) and Funds Chairs dinner revealing that Kenya faces a financial gap of an estimated US$33 million in its fight against malaria.

“As donor funding continues to dwindle, it becomes increasingly crucial for African nations to prioritise local ownership and investment in health programmes,” said the PS.

At the event convened to chart a course for raising the estimated US$6.3 billion needed annually to sustain and expand malaria control efforts in Africa.

The PS noted that the African Union’s goal to eliminate malaria by 2030 is a vision that calls for the collective efforts of governments, the private sector, civil society, and communities.

Kenya remains locked in a critical fight against malaria, with the USAID estimating that the ailment accounted for at least 15 percent of outpatient consultations nationally in 2023. Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Kenya. Due to altitude, rainfall patterns and temperature, a high number of the Kenyan population is at risk for malaria.

The World Health Organisation cautions that if there is a continued flatlining of malaria resources over 2027-2029, there will be an estimated additional 112 million cases and up to 280,700 additional malaria deaths in Africa as a result of upsurges and outbreaks across the continent.

EMCs address operational bottlenecks and resource gaps by using their influence, networks, and expertise to mobilise commitments from all sectors and then monitor and report on progress during quarterly meetings.

EMCs have collectively mobilised more than $125 million USD ($62 million USD in 2024) in financial and in-kind support and technical expertise.

The meeting co-hosted by the End Malaria Council (EMC) Kenya and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), is rallying governments, private sector leaders, and civil society organisations to push for the full replenishment of the Global Fund—Africa’s financial backbone in the fight against malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.

“We must not let malaria outmaneuver us. It’s time to rally our resources and suppress this age-old adversary,” said the PS. With donor funding on the decline, mobilising domestic resources—particularly from the private sector—has become an urgent priority to keep malaria elimination on track for 2030.

Despite its vast toll on human life and economic productivity, malaria remains disproportionately dependent on external aid. The Global Fund alone provides 62% of all international financing for malaria control and has invested over US$19.1 billion in the fight against the disease. However, leaders at the Nairobi summit warn that donor fatigue, shifting priorities, and a volatile global economy have put the continent at risk of backsliding.

Despite ongoing efforts, Kenya faces substantial funding challenges in its fight against malaria. To achieve the Kenya Malaria Strategy’s goal of reducing malaria incidence, shared strategies, resource mobilization and collaboration are our most potent weapons in this fight, said Chris Getonga, the Chairman of EMC, Kenya.

The high-level gathering has drawn representatives from government, business, and civil society, reflecting a continent-wide consensus that defeating malaria demands more than goodwill. “It requires money, innovation, and unwavering commitment” said Getonga.

Yet, the discussions come at a precarious time. An executive order by the U.S. administration has temporarily frozen foreign aid, threatening the supply of malaria drugs in nations reliant on USAID support. This disruption underscores the need for Africa to look inward for solutions.

With 3.42 million confirmed malaria cases reported in Kenya in 2022 and a national funding gap of Ksh 24 billion, the stakes could not be higher. As the Nairobi meeting unfolds, one message is clear: without bold financing solutions, Africa risks undoing decades of progress against one of its deadliest foes.