WHA agrees on Global Malaria Strategy/Programme Budget

Accra, May 23, GNA - Member-States of the World Health Organization (WHO), had agreed to a new global malaria strategy for 2016-30, and approved the Organization's proposed programme budget for 2016-17.

A statement issued and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra by Tarik Jasarevic, WHO Communications Officer, said the strategy aimed to reduce the global disease burden by 40 per cent by 2020, and by at least 90 per cent by 2030.

It said the strategy also aimed to eliminate malaria in at least 35 new countries by 2030; adding that between 2000 and 2013, the global malaria mortality rate dropped by 47 per cent.

It noted that a major expansion of the WHO-recommended core package of measures - vector control, chemo prevention, diagnostic testing and treatment - had proved both

Cost=effective and efficient.
It said nevertheless, millions of people were still unable to access malaria prevention and treatment, and most cases and deaths continued to go unregistered and unreported.

The statement pointed out that in 2013, malaria killed an estimated 584 000 people; hence the new strategy aimed to build on recent successes to radically reduce this figure.

It said developed in close consultation with endemic countries and partners, the strategy provided a comprehensive framework so countries could develop tailored programmes that would sustain and accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

It observed that the strategy comprised three key elements: ensuring universal access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment; accelerating efforts towards elimination and attainment of malaria-free status; and strengthening malaria surveillance.

It said the strategy emphasized the importance of innovation and research, and the critical need for political commitment, sustainable financing, strong health systems, and collaboration across different sectors.

The statement observed that Member-States also approved WHO's proposed Programme Budget for 2016-17.

It said the budget of 4384.9 million dollars includes a 236-million-dollar increase over the 2014-15 programme budget requirement to meet the needs of countries; leverage the experience gained during the Ebola outbreak; address emerging priorities, such as antimicrobial resistance, health and the environment, malaria and viral hepatitis; and implement resolutions passed by the Assembly and WHO's Regional Committees.

It said additional funds would also be used to further strengthen transparency, improve risk management and enhance accountability.

GNA