At parliamentary confab: MPs take commitment to accelerate fight against malaria.

The event brought together over 50 parliamentarians engaged in the fight against malaria alongside key stakeholders. 

It was organised by the Parliamentary Caucus for Health Financing in Cameroon in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Impact Santé Afrique.

The special event was placed under the theme: “Accelerating the fight against malaria in Cameroon and reducing its impact on the health and economy of the Country”.

It was chaired by the Senior Deputy Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Hilarion Etong, in the presence of the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, and the Permanent Secretary of the National Malaria Control Programme, NMCP, Dr Joel Ateba. 

Discussions during the confab focus mainly on understanding the latest malaria data in Cameroon, pledges from all sectors in the malaria fight as well as the strategic role parliamentarians should play in accelerating the fight against malaria.

Speaking during the event, Hon Hilarion explained that the National Assembly, through the event, hopes to inform, raise awareness, and engage MPs on the current situation, issues, challenges, progress made, and concrete actions to be taken in the fight against malaria in the country.

He further declared the commitment of the National Assembly which he said is pivotal in driving the policy changes needed to eliminate malaria in Cameroon.

While highlighting the need for adequate funding to ensure a successful implementation of malaria interventions, Hon Hilarion Etong reiterated that the fight against malaria requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, including government, political and local leaders, private sector, health organisations, civil society, and the community at large.

Enter Hon Njume Peter

On his part, the President of the Parliamentary Caucus for Health Financing in Cameroon, Hon Njume Peter, said there is the need for government to increase the state budget on health to about 15% as stipulated by the Abuja Declaration of 2001 which the country is signatory to.

With the Cameroon still far from attaining this target, he explained that the elimination of malaria in Cameroon will require the mobilisation of fund locally. 

“We are asking ministers to set aside just 1% of their budget for malaria. I'm very grateful to the Minister for Basic Education, who has already made a commitment. By 2025, 1% of the ministry's budget will be dedicated to the fight against malaria, as will the Minister Women Empowerment and the Family,” Hon Njume stated, adding that “we expect others to do the same and if we work together, we will go far”.

Continuous efforts against malaria

According to Minister Manaouda Malachie, government has been taking enormous efforts to fight against malaria even though international partners are increasingly reducing their impact on health funding in Cameroon.

He, however, affirmed the international partners have still been on government’s side by providing technical advice, support and policy harmonisation at both sub-regional and global levels. 

“We must be calm in the fight against malaria. Progress has been made...we are continuing to strengthen our actions, which are multisectoral. That's why we have a number of government partners. Technical and financial partners are working with us,” the minister told reporters. 

Should the multisectoral effort continue to intensify, Dr Manaouda assured that malaria eradication will be achieved by 2030, as was decided at the Yaoundé Declaration of April 2024. 

“We all need to be made aware of the impact of malaria in our country. On how to prevent and combat malaria… whether it's simple or serious, the state covers malaria free of charge,” he added.

Cameroon, it is worth noting, is among the eleven most affected countries by malaria in the world, with the disease impacting economic growth and perpetuating poverty through a number of factors. 

Recent statistics from the health ministry show almost three million cases and about 2,000 deaths recorded annually in health facilities. Malaria also accounts for around 40% of hospital admissions and 68% of deaths of children under 5 years. 
  

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3143 of Wednesday June 19, 2024