Kenya has once again reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating malaria and advancing Africa’s march toward a malaria-free future, further cementing its leadership in the global fight against the disease.

Speaking at a high-level health session held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, said Kenya’s approach is anchored on a clear roadmap that combines prevention, early detection, treatment, and strong community involvement.

“Our plan is anchored on prevention and vector control, rapid diagnosis and treatment, robust surveillance and data-driven decision-making, and strong community engagement supported by resilient health systems,” Muthoni stated.

She emphasised that innovation and partnerships remain central to achieving lasting success. “Innovation, technology transfer, and strong partnerships are the catalysts that will help us consign malaria to history. With Japanese innovation and African leadership, a malaria-free continent is within our reach,” she said.

Kenya has been among the countries hardest hit by malaria, particularly in western Kenya and Lake Basin regions, where the disease continues to burden households and stretch health systems. However, the government maintains that progress has been made through scaled-up interventions, including distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, rapid diagnostic kits, and community health campaigns.

Muthoni emphasised that the fight against malaria demands sustained commitment and long-term investments that go beyond short-term interventions. “We need long-term, outcome-focused investments, capacity building, and strengthened surveillance and governance to sustain progress and ensure no one is left behind in the fight against malaria,” she said.

Her remarks come at a time when African countries are intensifying efforts to meet the continental goal of eliminating malaria. Experts warn that although significant progress has been recorded in reducing malaria-related deaths, emerging challenges such as drug resistance, climate change, and population growth threaten to reverse gains if not addressed decisively.

Kenya’s renewed call aligns with wider continental ambitions, especially with health ministries across Africa pushing for innovative financing and stronger collaborations with partners in research, technology, and health delivery.

The Ministry of Health noted that Kenya is committed to leveraging international partnerships while strengthening domestic capacity to defeat malaria once and for all. “These are not just health interventions, they are about protecting families, safeguarding economic productivity, and giving our children a future free from a disease that has plagued Africa for centuries,” Muthoni affirmed.

The session, organised by No More Malaria Japan, brought together policymakers, health experts, and development partners to discuss pathways to a malaria-free world. Kenya’s strong stand reaffirmed the urgency of keeping malaria elimination at the top of Africa’s health agenda.