Contributing to the global fight against malaria

A child sitting in a hammock covered by a mosquito net.
Child under a mosquito net, safe from mosquito bites – the cause of malaria. © Swiss Malaria Group / Elder Figuera

Despite continued progress in malaria control, malaria is still a major burden of disease in many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. When combating the health and economic effects of malaria in its partner countries, SDC stresses not only prevention but also access to medicines.

SDC focus

Switzerland is internationally recognised for its excellence in malaria research and its implementation of pioneering initiatives in malaria prevention and control. SDC therefore has the advantage of collaborating with a number of partners from the public and private sectors who are well known for their knowledge and expertise in the field of malaria.

SDC contributes to the fight against malaria through bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation. In partner countries that are highly malaria endemic, SDC backs specific projects that tackle malaria by increasing mosquito-net coverage, strengthening health systems and supporting community-based initiatives. At international level, SDC contributes to the fight against malaria with financial contributions to global initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and to internationally recognised academic institutions as well as public private partnerships that are driving innovative research and the development of new prevention means, drugs and diagnostic tools.

Raise awareness and sensitise

SDC also heads the Swiss Malaria Group that was founded in 2007 and encompasses 11 members from the private and public sectors and civil society. The aim of this group is to raise awareness of malaria and its impacts among decision makers and the public and to increase Swiss support for organisations that are actively involved in the fight against malaria. Synergies between the members are used to contribute to the decline of malaria cases in the most affected countries through innovative control measures, knowledge and financial flows.

Background

Many countries have made impressive progress in controlling malaria, resulting in reduced child mortality and a decreased number of malaria cases. These results have been made possible through improved coordination of the different global actors, massive investments in malaria control and the availability of efficient tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. However, growing resistance to anti-malarial drugs and insecticides pose a huge challenge to sustaining these achievements.

Current projects

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Core Contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria 2023-2025

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2025

The Global Fund collects and channels a big share of international funds to end HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, which mostly affect the poorest and most vulnerable people in low- and middle-income countries. Its support to country programmes has saved 44 million lives since 2002. In the coming years, the challenge is to regain lost ground in the fight against the three diseases and to further strengthening health systems to ensure impact, sustainability, and better preparedness and response to pandemics.


Phase 1 Solidarit'Eau Suisse 2022-2027

16.07.2022 - 15.09.2027

Access to safe water and sanitation affordable for all by 2030 according to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is substantially off track. The so-called SDG 6 Acceleration Framework adopted in 2020 by the UN, calls for fast results through increased efforts at all levels and by all relevant actors. Solidarit’Eau Suisse helps in mobilizing support from Swiss municipalities and other water-related public actors to implement Swiss projects in the water sector of the Global South.


MMV - Medicines for Malaria Venture

01.01.2022 - 31.12.2024

Treating malaria requires developing different medicines suitable for people in lower-income countries. The Geneva-based Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) drives the discovery, development and implementation of new antimalarial medicines. Working with pharmaceutical, academic and affected country partners, including Swiss companies and research, MMV contributes to equitable access to affordable and quality medicines for vulnerable groups at risk of malaria, in particular children and pregnant women. 


Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC)

01.08.2020 - 31.07.2024

Vector-borne neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and malaria are major causes of mortality, morbidity and lack of economic progress for the poorest. Targeting the vector (mosquito) is a main eradication approach. Due to climate change and natural mutation, insecticide resistance is affecting most malaria endemic countries. The Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) is the world-leader Product Development Partnership developing innovative and safe insecticides. SDC strategic support to IVCC complements Switzerland’s global action against malaria. 


Towards Elimination of Malaria in Tanzania

NETCELL project, 2017

01.12.2018 - 30.04.2025

Tanzania deploys innovative approaches for malaria control and elimination since 2000. To sustain and expand gains that have been achieved, the project will capacitate Tanzanian institutions to engage in subnational, intersectoral and cross borders elimination strategies, thus making available best practices to normative bodies such as World Health Organization (WHO). Tanzania’s and Switzerland’s recognized strong expertise, network and influence in malaria elimination will be increased through this programme.

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