Swaziland to head Malaria eradication drive

ADDIS ABABA – At a time of historic progress toward a malaria-free Africa, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) on Monday nominated King Mswati III of Swaziland, as its next chair.

King Mswati III succeeds H.E. Idriss Déby Itno President of Chad, as Chair of ALMA. The announcement came at the ALMA Head of State and Government meeting during the 28th African Union Summit.

During the meeting, ALMA presented its 2017 ALMA Awards for Excellence. Swaziland was one of seven countries recognized for significant achievements in malaria control and elimination over the last five years.

“The Kingdom of Swaziland welcomes the opportunity to chair ALMA.” said the Prime Minister, Dr. Barnabas S. Dlamini on behalf of King Mswati.III.

“Malaria control and elimination has been a priority for Swaziland. Through my commitment and that of my people, I have provided significant domestic resources to combat malaria. I am pleased with our progress and look forward to eliminating this terrible disease from the countries,” he said.

“Regional cooperation has been key to Swaziland’s success. In my role as ALMA Chair, I look forward to working with other African Heads of State and Government to achieve a malaria-free Africa,” he added.

Swaziland is one of three Southern African countries on track to eliminate malaria by 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Kingdom of Swaziland has made significant progress in scaling-up malaria control interventions, leading to a significant reduction in malaria burden in Swaziland.

The Kingdom of Swaziland was the first country in Africa to introduce a malaria elimination scorecard to enhance tracking, accountability and action towards malaria elimination.