The Zero Malaria Campaign Coalition under the auspices of the ministry of health’s national malaria control program has launched a new malaria campaign aimed at reducing the number of infections in the country.
Dubbed the “Power of EveryONE”, it seeks to give every Kenyan the opportunity to play their part in the national goal for zero malaria and ending the deadly disease for good.
The “Zero Malaria Starts With Me” campaign was on Thursday February 15, launched at an event hosted at the Afrika House in Karen Nairobi. The campaign was developed through extensive community engagements and in collaboration with partners.
Since its inception in April 2022, the Zero Malaria Campaign Coalition has been a driving force for sustainable change bringing together leading actors across sectors to power sustainable malaria campaigns.
Dr Joseph Lenai, the Director for Preventive & Promotive Health said that the campaign represents a culmination of the efforts to eradicate malaria in the country.
“Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Kenya and this campaign is a testament to our unwavering commitment to combat malaria.
“By harnessing the collective efforts of the government, partners, and communities, we are confident that we can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the incidence of malaria in especially these most affected regions,” Lenai said.
He added that Kenya has made enormous strides in the fight against malaria thanks to a concerted national effort by the government, partners, and communities. For children under five, prevalence dropped by a quarter from 2015 to 2020 (from 8% to 6%).
Liz Ntonjira, Co-Chair of ZMCC said that through the campaign, the government aims to elevate the conversation around malaria and inspire action across all sectors of society.
“Understanding and having more knowledge around malaria, will ultimately lead to behavior change and this is a critical pillar to tackling the persistent challenges we have when dealing with the disease. Together, we can achieve a malaria-free Kenya,” Ntonjira said.
The campaign creative elements have been developed by the team at Dentsu Creative, Kenya, in Nairobi.
Dentsu has a long history of supporting malaria campaigns and have been the leading global media partner in the fight against malaria internationally since 2017, contributing more than US $5 million to the fight to date.
“As we launch ‘The Power of EveryONE’ campaign, it’s a vivid reminder that the fight against malaria is not just a battle, but a journey we embark on together. With our collective efforts and innovative approaches, we are not just aiming for zero malaria. We are paving the way for a healthier, empowered world,” said Chris Madison, Group CEO of Dentsu Creative, Kenya.
The national campaign is complemented by localized versions, focused on increasing awareness with a particular emphasis on the endemic regions of Kakamega, Kilifi, and Kisumu.
