Key messages: what are we doing?

To reach the targets of the Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030, countries must apply equity-oriented, gender-responsive and human-rights-based approaches. The strategy sets ambitious targets for 2030, compared to a 2015 baseline:

• Reduce case incidence and mortality rates by at least 90%
• Eliminate malaria in at least 35 countries
• Prevent the re-establishment of malaria in all countries that are malaria-free

Equity in access to quality health services is a guiding principle of the strategy, particularly for populations experiencing disadvantage, discrimination and exclusion.

The updated strategy also notes that health systems must be adept not only at delivering quality malaria services but also at “responding in a gender-responsive, equity-oriented and human-rights-based manner.”

Learn more about additional programmes working to reach vulnerable populations:

• The country-led High Burden High Impact approach, catalysed by WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria
• Yaoundé Declaration signed by African Ministers of Health to accelerate malaria mortality reductions in their respective countries
• Mekong Malaria Elimination Programme

Malaria responses can be strengthened by stepping up investment in the research and development of new tools that benefit all people at risk of the disease, and especially the poorest and most marginalized. Several innovative tools recommended in recent years by WHO will increase health equity for populations at risk of malaria:

• Malaria vaccines: the scale-up of malaria vaccines in Africa through the broad reach of national child immunization platforms will increase access to malaria prevention for vulnerable children – reaching many children who are currently missing out.
• New types of insecticide-treated nets: in March 2023, WHO issued recommendations on a new generation of dual active ingredient insecticide-treated nets that provide greater protection against malaria compared to standard pyrethroid-only nets.

Countries must reorient health systems towards primary health care to help ensure that: 

• people suffering from malaria receive quality health care close to where they live and work;
• communities are fully engaged in the malaria response as care seekers, care providers and in addressing the local factors that increase malaria risk and transmission;
• there is an appropriate focus and action on underlying determinants of the disease – such as education, environment, poverty and gender;
• all malaria control interventions are included in universal health coverages packages that benefit from financial protection through health insurance or other health financing schemes.

To achieve the goal of health for all, it is critically important to monitor health inequalities. Such monitoring can identify populations that are left behind and inform equity-oriented policies, programmes and practices to close existing gaps.

An equity-oriented primary health care approach also entails intersectoral action to address the social and environmental determinants of malaria and fostering community engagement and social participation. 

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