Pictures from the 2024 SADC Malaria Day held at Murewa Centre

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga arrives for the 2024 SADC Malaria Day at Murewa Centre. Zimbabwe currently holds the SADC Chair and is using this opportunity to lead regional efforts in improving the well-being of its member states’ populations through collaboration on Malaria prevention and control.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga (in blue suit) officially launches the Zero Malaria programme in Murewa, with support from the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership to End Malaria Chief Executive Dr Michael Charles (right). Key government officials, including Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, (partly obscured), SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, (third from left) and Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Aplonia Munzverengi, took part in the launch. The programme, spearheaded by regional unity and integration, seeks to eliminate malaria throughout the SADC region.

Vice President Chiwenga commended village health worker Esnarth Chimbwanda (in brown hat) for her work in combating malaria in Nyadire resettlement. He listened attentively as she described her efforts in educating, testing, and treating malaria patients, demonstrating the crucial role these workers play in the SADC’s 2030 malaria elimination initiative.

Vice President Dr Constantino tours the malaria prevention facility, where Mashonaland East Provincial Field Officer Malaria Mr Prosper Nyamutsamba (in white cap) demonstrated the effectiveness of mosquito nets. The displayed bed, fully covered is a common practice by populations in SADC member states, served as a powerful visual aid, highlighting the critical role of such simple interventions in the SADC region’s fight against malaria.

Murehwa High School students, demonstrating civic responsibility, kicked off the 2024 SADC Malaria Day commemoration by singing the SADC and national anthems. Their active participation extends beyond the ceremony. Engaged in community malaria prevention efforts, the students actively contribute to eliminating mosquito breeding grounds by clearing overgrown vegetation and sealing abandoned gullies. This impactful approach, easily integrated into educational systems across member states, serves as a powerful preventative measure against malaria.

The participation of traditional chiefs at the 2024 SADC Malaria Day is crucial in combating malaria. Their respected positions within communities allow them to effectively raise awareness and encourage widespread participation in preventative measures, both traditional and modern. Strengthening this role could be enhanced through cross-border exchange programs and innovative approaches.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora reiterated that SADC should leverage innovative approaches, bolster existing programmes with new technologies and innovative methods. He emphasised the importance of working together, hand-in-hand, across borders and within communities. The SADC region must commit to this collective vision, and show the world the transformative power of regional collaboration to eliminate malaria by 2030.

The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership, leading global efforts to eliminate malaria, was represented at the 2024 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Day commemoration. RBM Chief Executive Dr. Michael Charles attended the event as Zimbabwe launched its “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” campaign, becoming the 25th country to join the initiative.

Delegates from SADC countries attended the 2024 SADC Malaria Day, hearing presentations from diverse professionals working on regional and global health issues. This gave them the opportunity to take notes and then go and share with both Governments and populations back home.

Thousands of Mashonaland East residents attending the 2024 SADC Malaria Day gained crucial awareness, boosting their participation in malaria prevention efforts. These gatherings allow for cross-state comparisons, improving regional approaches and responses to this deadly disease within the SADC member states.

A vibrant tapestry of movement unfolded as a woman gracefully performed the Muchongoyo dance, a testament to the spirit of unity at the 2024 SADC Malaria Day. Her rhythmic steps, imbued with passion and purpose, mirrored the all-encompassing SADC integration trajectory. The dance, a powerful symbol of oneness, captured the collective aspiration to eradicate malaria and forge a path towards unhindered trade and infrastructure development across the region.

SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba thanked women for their participation as they also contribute the majority of community health workers in the SADC region. The regional bloc acknowledges the significant involvement of women in reducing malaria cases and deaths. There is a vital link between the well-being of member states’ populations, regional peace, thriving cross-border trade, and regional market growth and economic development. The eradication of the deadly disease depends on the success of the proposed integration of health practices in pooling of resources together to make bulk purchases of medicines and necessary equipment.

Village health worker Esnarth Chimbwanda, who specializes in providing awareness, educating communities on the effective use of treated mosquito nets, using malaria rapid diagnostic test kits and providing treatment to those affected, was a major exhibitor at the 2024 SADC Malaria Day commemorations in Murewa. The services of village health workers can be resourced and replicated in all the member states’ remote places.

Local health sector businesses showcased innovative products and services at the 2024 SADC Malaria Day, supporting government efforts. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aimed to attract local and international buyers as well as grabbing opportunities to expand their businesses into the region

Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora (centre) and Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Aplonia Munzverengi (left) thanked Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Derick Livune, for attending the 2024 SADC Malaria Day at Murewa Centre. They highlighted that regional cooperation, exemplified by the information exchange, is crucial in reducing the burden of malaria eradication.