Public-private collaborations key after donor health funding cuts

Shot of a microscope in a laboratory. [Courtesy/GettyImages]

The battle against malaria remains a major public health challenge in Kenya and many African countries. While recent efforts have borne fruit, prevalence remains high. The Ministry of Health estimates there were about 5.5 million malaria cases in 2023 alone. According to the World Health Organisation, over 12,000 Kenyans died from malaria in 2022 alone, yet effective interventions exist.

We already know that the use of insecticide-treated nets, rapid diagnostic kits, community outreach and effective medicines, among other strategies, reduces malaria deaths and disease. Sadly, majority of these have been heavily reliant on donor funding. As donors continue pulling out, our ability to scale and sustain these interventions is running dry.