On September 20th, the RBM Partnership to End Malaria held an Intergenerational Discussion titled “Harnessing the Power of Youth to Create a Malaria-Free Future.”
This event took place during Action Day One at the Summit of the Future at the Millennium Hilton, focusing on the role of youth innovation and research in addressing malaria.
With Africa experiencing 94% of global malaria deaths, the discussion addressed the pressing need to bridge a $1.5 billion funding gap for essential interventions, emphasizing the importance of keeping malaria on the global agenda.
The event aimed to gather insights on innovative solutions for malaria elimination, provide a platform for young voices to influence decision-makers, and highlight the contributions of youth in the fight against the disease.
Keynote speaker Ms. Stephenie Rodriguez, a para-fencer and Global Fund malaria campaigner, discussed the significance of inclusive investment strategies. A panel featuring Honourable Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, Deputy Health Minister of Sierra Leone, along with other experts, shared perspectives on youth-led innovations, the challenges faced by young women in research, and the private sector’s role in supporting youth engagement.
The discussions underscored the importance of youth involvement in addressing the complexities of malaria. Their innovative approaches and fresh perspectives are seen as critical to reshaping health systems and advancing toward a malaria-free future.
The event concluded with a commitment from participants, led by RBM CEO Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, to collaborate on efforts to eradicate malaria. Outcomes from this discussion are expected to be presented at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, influencing global strategies for malaria elimination.
This gathering served as a reminder of the significant role youth play in the fight against malaria, reinforcing the collective goal of achieving a malaria-free world by 2030.
