Fighting malaria in Cameroon: US gov’t invests over 90 billion FCFA within seven years.

The anti-malaria activities funded by the US President’s Malaria Initiative, PMI, in partnership with the Cameroon government, have resulted in a remarkable 35% reduction in all-cause child mortality.

The information was revealed in press release issued Tuesday August 20 by the US Embassy in Cameroon. The statement is in line with the 2024 edition of World Mosquito Day observed every August 20. 

As part of the commemoration, officials of the US Embassy branch in Douala in collaboration with staff from the US Agency for International Development, USAID, embarked on a mission to the Nylon neighbourhood to identify mosquito breeding sites and collect samples for further analysis. 

The mission was led by dedicated researchers of the Vector Control to Fight Malaria Project known as EVOLVE and funded by the PMI.

According to the Director of the US Embassy branch in Douala, Ashley White, the team observed how vector control research is carried out in order to enhance community prevention efforts. 

“It is fantastic to participate in this field activity marking World Mosquito Day and to see firsthand how scientists study mosquito behavior,” Ashley White stated. 

“The knowledge gained from this research is vital for enhancing our ongoing efforts in malaria prevention and vector control here in Cameroon,” she added. 

The team began its works at the District Hospital in Nylon, a neighbourhood which is notorious for its high density of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. 

Going by the Embassy release, upon returning to the office, the Embassy branch Director witnessed the vital process of sorting captured mosquitoes into two categories notably mature and immature mosquitoes.

The classification exercise, it was said, is essential for understanding mosquito behaviour and assessing resistance to insecticides, which enables researchers to develop more effective malaria prevention strategies. 

Meanwhile, the lead coordinator of the study, Patchoke Solomon, highlighted that the research is part of entomological surveillance that focuses specifically on Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species, originally from Asia, that is increasingly associated with malaria transmission in urban and other man-made environments.

Recent findings from the PMI-EVOLVE project revealed shifts in the feeding habits of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. 

Traditionally nocturnal, these mosquitoes are now extending their feeding times into the early morning hours. 

The lead study coordinator explained that to combat this change, promoting the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying are critical, especially during daylight hours when individuals may be outside their nets. 

PMI EVOLVE project bolstering anti-malaria fight

The Embassy statement stressed that the PMI-EVOLVE project plays an essential role in bolstering malaria control efforts in Cameroon. The project is assisting PMI in planning, implementing, and monitoring programmes aimed at reducing malaria transmission in the country. 

The PMI-EVOLVE is also strengthening local institutions, enabling them to conduct independent vector control programmes while promoting gender equity, social inclusion and addressing climate change as integral components of their approach. 

Through the statement, the Embassy has reiterated its government’s commitment to supporting Cameroon in funding vector control activities and empowering communities to protect themselves against malaria. 

The Embassy statement also stated that through research, innovative solutions, and community involvement, significant strides can be made in the fight against malaria and work toward a healthier future for all.

Meanwhile, World Mosquito Day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing threat posed by malaria and highlights the need for persistent research, preventive measures, and education. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3207 of Friday August 23, 2025