A statement released on Monday, February 10, confirmed the appointment of President Uhuru Kenyatta as the new chairman of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).
The alliance is a coalition of African heads of state and government advancing advocacy efforts, resource mobilisation and accountability in the fight against malaria across Africa.
Uhuru takes over from King Mswati of Eswatini, with his tenure set to last for the next two years.
“I am pleased to take over this role as ALMA Chair. Significant gains have been made in the battle against malaria, but progress has slowed in recent years." he stated following his appointment.
"As we enter the decade to end malaria, I am committed to ensuring that we accelerate progress and end this disease once and for all," the Kenyan leader wrote in a statement to the African Union." he added.
Uhuru skipped the African Union Assembly of Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in honour of the late former President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi whose state funeral service is set to be held at the Nyayo National Stadium on February 11.
However, he reiterated his commitment to combating malaria - a disease that has proved to be a major killer in the African continent.
"As we enter the decade to end malaria, I am committed to ensuring that we accelerate progress and end this disease once and for all," the Kenyan leader wrote in a statement to the African Union." wrote in a statement to the African Union.
Africa accounts for 93% of global malaria cases and 94% of all malaria deaths. Out of this, ten countries on the continent account for 67% of all malaria cases and 62% of all deaths.
