A Global Panel Discussion on Malaria Funding Cuts and Child Mortality: Why Gender-Responsive Malaria Interventions

In a conversation hosted by The Global Malaria and Gender Community of Practice (CoP), global health experts discussed the negative impact of malaria on children and women in low and middle-income countries, emphasizing the necessity for gender-responsive interventions. Financial constraints in global health institutions were highlighted, alongside the urgent need for increased funding for malaria eradication.
Supported by the Gates Foundation, the goal of the CoP is to work with relevant stakeholders and partners to co-create, catalyze, and develop a cohesive, strategic, and measurable approach that integrates gender into malaria work and identifies gender-transformative opportunities to advance gender equity in the fight against malaria. The virtual meeting, entitled, “Malaria Funding Cuts and Child Mortality: Why Gender-responsive malaria intervention matters” was moderated by  Dr. Abena Poku-Awuku, Associate Director of Advocacy, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Geneva, Switzerland and co-moderated by Ms. Katya Halil, Associate Director of Advocacy for Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) also an  advisory board member for the community of practice.  Prof. Deborah Atobrah emphasized the need to connect funding cuts to rising child morbidity and mortality and advocated for increased gender-responsive investments in malaria eradication efforts.

Protecting the Future: Why Gender-Responsive Funding is the Key to Ending Malaria
Cecilia Lodonu-Senoo emphasized the need for strategies to protect women and children in malaria-endemic countries, as global funds hold back investment. She noted the importance of promoting behavioural changes alongside scientific interventions to mitigate malaria's impact. A personal anecdote highlighted the struggles of a mother seeking medical help for her malaria-symptomatic child, underscoring the challenges faced by those without resources or knowledge. Research by Bruce (2024) indicates that malaria remains a critical public health threat, with the World Malaria Report 2024 documenting approximately 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths in 2023, predominantly affecting children under five in the WHO African Region. The report pointed out the often-overlooked gender aspects of malaria vulnerability. It calls attention to the adverse effects of resource reduction on malaria elimination efforts, especially for organizations like the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. Malaria kills 80% of children under five in the region, further taxing mothers. The report argues for integrating gender issues into malaria strategies, highlighting the inadequate use of malaria prophylaxis among pregnant women, endangering maternal and infant health. Additionally, men face significant exposure yet often procrastinate treatment seeking. Gender norms increase vulnerability for pregnant women regarding malaria, despite initiatives like Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTP). Misconceptions about malaria, socioeconomic barriers, and underutilization of malaria nets impede effective prevention. Financial constraints and poor nutrition exacerbate healthcare access issues, leading to worse birth outcomes. Advocacy for improved healthcare resources, education, and affordable medications is crucial to address these challenges.

Why Gender Matters in Malaria Elimination 
The meeting highlights the challenges women and children face regarding malaria exposure and treatment. It notes that women are less likely to use insecticide-treated nets due to caregiving roles and gender dynamics. Cultural norms, transportation barriers, and limited knowledge of preventive treatments like IPTP impede access to malaria care. The importance of mobile clinics in rural areas for health education and integrating malaria screenings into maternal health is underscored. Male participation is vital to alleviate caregiving burdens, and there is a need for sex-disaggregated malaria data and gender-focused strategies. Collaboration with civil society and the private sector is crucial for resource mobilization and equitable access to malaria interventions, enhancing health outcomes for women and children in elimination efforts.

Questions and Answers Session
Ms. Katya Halil moderated a session after Cecilia's presentation on gender-responsive strategies to combat malaria and reduce child mortality. She commended Cecilia for her use of statistical data and personal insights. In the Q&A, the co-moderator emphasized Cecilia's call for advocacy for additional resources and collaboration with the private sector in a financially constrained environment to influence donors and policymakers. Cecilia noted that despite the emphasis on collaboration in global health reforms, there is inadequate engagement with civil society and academia. Transparency in government resource allocation for malaria funding is essential. Advocacy from the private sector and partnerships are necessary to tackle health challenges in resource-limited settings. Prof. Deborah Atobrah emphasized the potential loss of 2.5 to 4.5 million children by 2030 due to funding cuts and the need for diplomatic efforts to enhance malaria interventions. She noted that health professionals often limit communication to their circles, risking message neglect, and called for revaluation of strategies to advocate for increased malaria funding. Cecilia emphasized the urgent need for continued advocacy and funding for malaria prevention, particularly due to its severe impact on vulnerable populations like children. She expressed concerns about global health priorities shifting resources away from malaria and tuberculosis. Cecilia urged health institutions to collaborate on malaria advocacy, highlighting the necessity of securing allies and utilizing evidence-based strategies. In a recent meeting with the Ministry of Health, Cecilia highlighted Gavi's planned exit from Ghana by 2029, raising alarms about the government's resource mobilization. The ministry is exploring alternative taxation, such as an alcohol tax, to lessen dependency on loans. Key discussions revolved around closing corruption loopholes, prioritizing health spending, and involving citizens in resource management. There was a strong emphasis on integrating health initiatives and fostering private sector partnerships to enhance community health efforts, all aimed at strategically managing resources amid ongoing challenges.

Concluding Remarks
Ms. Katya Halil, the co-moderator appreciated Cecilia, the main speaker for her important discussion. She summarised the meeting emphasising the key message is to push harder, together, and smarter by finding innovative solutions and integrating services and resources. These are the main takeaways I wanted to emphasize.
Prof. Deborah Atobrah expressed gratitude towards Katia and Cecilia for their valuable insights on integrating health activities and collaborating with the private sector. She announced the next meeting for late April and referenced updated resources regarding the intersection of gender and malaria, available in the repository. Institutions are invited to share their materials for broader community dissemination as they continue to strategize and network towards their goals.