### The fight against malaria: a crucial issue threatened by drastic cuts in human aid
The month of June marks the start of a dreaded season on the African continent: that of malaria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria remains one of the largest causes of death in Africa, mainly affecting children, with the sad statistics of 597,000 deaths linked to this disease in 2023, 95% of which occurred on the African continent. While the rainy season is approaching and transmission increases, drastic cuts in foreign aid, especially those of the Trump administration, aggravate the situation.
Dr. Jimmy Opigo, head of the malaria control program in Uganda, alerted to the disastrous consequences of the interruption of USAID contracts, which have reduced vital resources for treatment and prevention. These measures are particularly worrying in rural and poor areas where access to care is already limited. The situation in Uganda is emblematic of the challenges faced by many African countries, dependent on international aid for the fight against this disease.
### the supply chain and its issues
One of the crucial elements in the fight against malaria is the continuity of the supply of antimalarial drugs and mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide. The rupture of this supply chain, as provided for by Malaria No More, could lead to nearly 15 million additional cases and 107,000 deaths worldwide in one year. This pessimistic vision underlines the importance of a coordinated response, where Western governments and NGOs play an essential role in the prevention of avoidable deaths.
In a context where the search for lasting solutions is crucial, the question of vaccines arises. Although vaccines are being distributed, their efficiency is not perfect. This deficit highlights the urgency of continuing to financially support prevention initiatives, such as the spray of houses or the distribution of mosquito nets. Indeed, preventive treatments and methods often make the difference between life and death for populations at risk.
#### International comparison: a look at other countries
It is interesting to compare the Ugandan situation with other African countries, such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), also affected by alarming levels of malaria. For example, Nigeria, with a population of more than 200 million inhabitants, recorded around 70 million cases in 2023, representing a significant part of African cases. In the DRC, despite a strong mobilization of NGOs and the government, the vaccination and distribution of insecticide is insufficient.
International aid has traditionally allowed these countries to acquire the tools necessary for effective malaria management. Without a return to adapted funding, it is to be feared that these countries, already in the grip of multiple crises, will see their efforts to control the disease completely destroyed.
### Data power and a systemic approach
To approach the question in a different way, it would be relevant to adopt a data -based approach to maximize the impact of investments in public health. Using predictive analyzes, it would be possible to identify high -risk areas before the emergence of epidemics. Technology can play a key role in data collection, their analysis, and the design of targeted awareness campaigns.
In addition, it would be wise to consider building more solid partnerships between African governments and private companies, especially in the health sector. Increased involvement of biotech and pharmaceutical companies could generate an essential innovation in the fight against malaria, by promoting the search for new treatments and vaccines.
#### Conclusion
In an interconnected world, the fight against malaria requires a collective and sustainable response. While the malaria season begins, political decisions made thousands of kilometers can have devastating repercussions on human lives. It is imperative that rich countries achieve the urgency of maintaining and strengthening their support for health initiatives in Africa, not only to save lives, but also to establish a global health model essential for the balance of the international community.
We must remember that human health does not know any borders: for each child who succumbs to malaria, it is one more stone on the fragile foundations of sustainable development worldwide. Immediate action is essential to ensure that the malaria season does not become a cemetery for the hopes of millions of families.