Mosquitoes have killed more than 700, 000 people each year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of two vaccines for malaria, RTS,S and R21, for children living in malaria endemic areas.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of Who, said on Tuesday, a child dies from malaria, every 2 minutes.
Vaccines are among the key tools to save more children from deadly mosquito bites.
Hope has risen here in Southern Africa, as news of a partnership were announced by the University of Pretoria (UP) on World Mosquito Day (Tuesday, the 24th August).
The UP is partnering the Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), to join the fight against malaria in the Region.
Professor Themba Mosia, UP Interim Vice-Chancellor, at the University of Pretoria, said “over the past two decades, the world has made unprecedented progress against malaria, saving millions of lives. Today, more regions are malaria-free than ever before, with more countries reporting a decreasing number of malaria cases. However, half the world still lives at risk.”
The UP ISMC collaboration is expected to significantly enhance malaria elimination efforts in the SADC region.
Dr Taneshka Kruger, Project Manager of the UP ISMC, said the collaboration will focus on multifaceted challenges posed by malaria.
“The aim is to make significant strides in reducing the burden of malaria and addressing major global concerns affecting its prevalence through capacity building initiatives, student support initiatives, the implementation of impactful projects addressing challenges such as resource mobilisation and climate change, and the strengthening of cross-border collaboration.”
Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UP and Director of the UP ISMC, said: “Malaria has long been a formidable enemy, particularly on the African continent. Partnership initiatives have demonstrated that regional collaborations, strategic planning and sustained efforts can yield remarkable progress. Our collaboration with RBM Partnership will enhance our capabilities and extend our reach. Together, we will leverage collaborative research, share best practices and develop comprehensives strategies to address the root cause of malaria.”
Ednah Baloyi, Director of Malaria and other Vector-Borne Diseases at South Africa’s national Department of Health, also emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration and capacitating healthcare workers.
Picture: Affinity Health