MEDIA ADVISORY

High-Level Press Briefing on Malaria Progress and the “Change the Story” Campaign

INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: High-level Press Briefing under the theme Changing the Story on Malaria: A Big Push to Deliver a Malaria-Free Africa

When: Sunday, February 16, 2024, from 12.00 pm to 12.45 pm (GMT+3)

Where: Medium Conference Hall, African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Who: Hosted by the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Tanzania, the African Union Commission, and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance

Background:

Held on the sidelines of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, this annual high-level press briefing will highlight Africa’s progress, challenges, and renewed commitments in the fight against malaria. Under the theme “Changing the Story on Malaria: A Big Push to Deliver a Malaria-Free Africa,” the event will showcase key findings from the 2024 AU Malaria Progress Report, to be launched during the Summit. The “Change the Story” Campaign will be unveiled, amplifying the voices of children most affected by malaria and calling for urgent political and financial commitment to eliminate the disease.

The briefing will also mark the transition of the ALMA Chairmanship from H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, celebrating the achievements under his tenure and outlining priorities for the next leadership phase.

Additionally, the Arab Republic of Egypt will be presented with an ALMA Award for Excellence for their success in eliminating malaria. Egypt joins Mauritius, Morocco, Algeria and Cabo Verde as AU Member States certified malaria-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The event will bring together AU Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, Parliamentarians, AU Organs, Regional Economic Communities, the Development Community, and members of the media.

Objectives of the meeting are to:

1. Present the findings of the 2024 Africa Malaria Progress Report, including the progress made, challenges faced, and key threats to malaria elimination.
2. Launch the “Change the Story” campaign, highlighting the voices of children and amplifying their stories about the impact of malaria on their lives.
3. Launch the “Changing the Story” book on H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s Leadership of ALMA.
4. Mark the transition of the ALMA Chairmanship from H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
5. Recognize Egypt’s achievement in eliminating malaria, presenting them with an ALMA Award for Excellence.
6. Call for a united effort to increase funding for malaria programs, particularly through the replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Expected outcomes of the meeting:

1. A communication from HoSG, media, and the public to push for malaria elimination in Africa and the critical need for enhanced action.
2. Heightened awareness of the “Change the Story” campaign, which will use the voices of children to advocate for stronger political will and increased investment in malaria elimination and showcase ALMA’s accountability approach.
3. A clear call for action regarding the replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, ensuring the necessary resources are mobilised for malaria elimination.
4. Recognition of Egypt’s achievement in eliminating malaria, providing an example for other nations.
5. Strengthened commitment from African leaders, international organisations, and stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward achieving a malaria-free Africa by 2030.

Participation at the event:

Attendance of the press is by invitation only. Members of the press can submit their request to attend or interview the delegates to the following: 

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke | Media Center Coordinator; Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | Email: MolaletT@african-union.org | Web: www.au.int

For further media inquiries, please contact:

1. Ms. Whitney Mwangi | Health Policy Communications and Advocacy Specialist, Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | E-mail: WhitneyM@africa-union.org
2. Mr. Thomas Davies | African Leaders Malaria Alliance | Email: TDavies@alma2030.org | Web: www.alma2030.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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