UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control

Africa Day is a moment to reflect on both unity and diversity across the continent, and malaria reminds us why this matters. The burden of malaria is not the same everywhere: it is shaped by different climates, health systems, cultures, and lived realities across Africa. These differences influence how communities experience the disease and how prevention and control efforts need to be designed and delivered.
Recognising this complexity is essential if we are to strengthen shared, cross-border responses. A one-size-fits-all approach is not enough! Effective malaria control depends on context, collaboration, and locally grounded solutions that reflect Africa’s many realities while working toward a shared goal: elimination.
Click the link to learn more…
https://www.up.ac.za/up-institute-for-sustainable-malaria-control/news/africa-day-and-malaria-one-continent-different-realities-shared-responsibility

On Workers’ Day, we recognise the workforce behind malaria control. Across southern Africa, spray teams, clinicians, surveillance officers, community health workers, and researchers work daily to prevent, detect, and treat malaria.
In cross-border initiatives such as MOSASWA (Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini), implementation and research come together through partnerships like Goodbye Malaria and the UP ISMC – combining delivery, evidence, and capacity building.

Malaria elimination is not achieved by systems alone, but by people! Today, we honour them.
👉 Click to read more: https://www.up.ac.za/up-institute-for-sustainable-malaria-control/news/people-behind-malaria-elimination-honouring-workforce-frontlines

At the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), years of transdisciplinary research, collaboration, and student training have all contributed to the global fight against malaria.
Progress doesn’t come from one discovery; it is built step by step through many contributions.
Our digital “brick wall” shows this idea in action. Each student project becomes a “brick” that helps us better understand malaria and improve how we respond to it. As the wall grows, we add both new and past work, showing how knowledge and impact are continuously built over time.
Meet the new generation of researchers and see how they are contributing to malaria elimination, "brick by brick"!
Click the link for more... https://www.up.ac.za/up-institute-for-sustainable-malaria-control/brick-brick-ismc-researchers-building-malaria-solutions

From Gogos to Citizen Scientists; women are central to malaria prevention, early action, and research. They are often the first to notice symptoms in the household, the strongest advocates for prevention, and key decision-makers when it comes to seeking care.

Beyond the home, women are increasingly contributing to malaria response as community health workers and researchers, helping to connect communities with science and strengthening surveillance and intervention efforts.

This World Malaria Day under the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”, we recognise mothers, grandmothers, and young women as vital drivers of malaria elimination; from home to field research. Their roles continue to shape prevention, enable early action, and strengthen the research and systems needed to turn what is now possible into what must be achieved.
👉 Read more: https://www.up.ac.za/news/gogos-citizen-scientists-women-leading-fight-against-malaria

Standing still in the fight against malaria is not neutral; it is regressive. History shows that when efforts slow, malaria returns, often quickly. As we mark World Malaria Day under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”, the message is clear: progress has been significant, but is under threat. Malaria still claims over 600,000 lives annually, with Africa most affected.

Fifteen years on, the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC) reflects on a core lesson: malaria is not only biomedical, but a complex systems and leadership challenge shaped by environment, behaviour, policy, and cross-border dynamics.

Emerging threats such as resistance, climate change, shifting vector behaviour, and funding constraints risk reversing gains already made. We have the knowledge and tools to end malaria, but success depends on sustained investment, coordinated action, and strong leadership. Now we must act with urgency, unity, and commitment.

Read more: https://www.up.ac.za/news/world-malaria-day-2026-15-years-why-standing-still-not-option

Two of our articles have been featured in The Conversation Africa’s “essential reads” collection on malaria in Africa, a curated set of contributions from leading researchers and practitioners across the continent.
The collection highlights both the substantial progress made in malaria control over recent decades and the ongoing, evolving challenges that continue to impede elimination efforts. It reflects the complexity of malaria as a public health issue, influenced by biological, environmental, socio-economic, and cross-border dynamics, with progress that is uneven across different settings.
Overall, the series reinforces that while gains are evident, sustaining and advancing them will require continued investment, strong collaboration, and adaptive approaches that respond to changing transmission patterns and health system realities across Africa.
Click the link to read the articles... https://theconversation.com/ending-malaria-in-africa-5-essential-reads-on-gains-and-challenges-281258

Another long weekend: stay safe if you’re travelling to a malaria-risk area!

Malaria is both preventable and treatable, yet it continues to pose a risk in many regions; including parts of South Africa and neighbouring countries. If your plans take you into a malaria-endemic area, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Prevention starts with you! Reduce mosquito exposure, use appropriate malaria prophylaxis, and stay alert to symptoms (such as fever, chills, headache, body aches, and fatigue). If you have symptoms and you recently travelled to a malaria area, get to a healthcare provider, and get tested and treated urgently!
Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay malaria-wise.
👉 Read more: https://www.up.ac.za/up-institute-for-sustainable-malaria-control/news/stay-malaria-wise-april-holiday-season

Starting early with our World Malaria Day commemorations.

In honour of World Malaria Day 2026, join the UP ISMC and the School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria for an engaging webinar on malaria vector control and the road to elimination.

Date: Friday, 17 April 2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 (GMT+2)
Zoom Link: https://gibs.zoom.us/j/93071730400
Meeting ID: 930 7173 0400
Passcode: 407351

The webinar will be presented simultaneously in English and Portuguese!
Let’s keep the momentum going together.

Today is World Health Day.

A reminder that strong health systems save lives; especially in the fight against malaria. Progress depends on early diagnosis, timely treatment, reliable access to medicines and diagnostics, and clear clinical guidance grounded in science. But systems alone are not enough. Coordinated action, sustained investment, community awareness, and strong leadership are essential to translate evidence into impact. Together for health, and with science as our guide, we can move closer to a malaria-free future.
👉 Read more: https://www.up.ac.za/up-institute-for-sustainable-malaria-control/news/world-health-day-and-malaria-strengthening-systems-saving-lives

An important message from the National Department of Health (South Africa).
Be malaria-wise if traveling to malaria-endemic areas this April holiday!

As we approach the Easter travel period, travellers moving from non-endemic to malaria-endemic areas should take personal protection measures seriously to reduce the risk of Malaria.