Former Minister of Health, Dr Daniel Ngamije, is embarking on a new challenge as the head of the Global Malaria Program which is responsible for coordinating the World Health Organization's global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. With a deep commitment to improving public health, Ngamije is excited to take on this new position and contribute to the fight against one of the world's deadliest diseases. ALSO READ: How Rwanda reduced the malaria burden in five years In a recent tweet, he said he is excited to join the team for advancing the Malaria agenda with objective of catching up the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (GTS) milestones and targets and ensure effective partnership for Malaria with all actors. Thank you so much @PAlonso, for your leadership many years as GMP Director with all achievements .I am excited to join the team for advancing Malaria agenda with objective of catching up GTS milestones and Targets.#Effective partnership for Malaria with all actors. https://t.co/CxZfDFG3Xz — Dr. Ngamije Daniel (@DrDanielNgamije) March 22, 2023 The GTS was developed in 2015 by WHO with the aim of reducing malaria cases and deaths by at least 90 per cent by 2030. It is built on four pillars: ensuring universal access to malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; accelerating efforts towards elimination; transforming malaria surveillance into a core intervention; and strengthening malaria research and innovation. To achieve the GTS targets, it is essential to have effective partnerships between all actors, including governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and communities. Ngamije recognises the need for such partnerships and highlights the importance of everyone coming together to advance the malaria agenda. The former Minister also expressed gratitude towards Pedro L. Alonso for their leadership over the years as the GMP Director, citing the achievements made towards the malaria agenda. Malaria remains a significant global public health challenge. According to World Malaria Report 2022, there were an estimated 619, 000 malaria deaths globally in 2021 while the global tally of malaria cases reached 247 million. Ngamije served as the Rwandan Minister of Health from February 2020 to November 2022. During this time, he led the development and execution of the health sector strategic plan as well as the development and implementation of the Covid-19 comprehensive response plan.
