Africa is confronting a growing malaria crisis, with rising infections and stalled progress placing renewed pressure on health systems across the continent. As child deaths continue at concerning levels, funding shortfalls are threatening decades of progress in malaria control and elimination.
In response, South African-founded social benefit organisation Goodbye Malaria has committed R94 million (US$5.5 million) to support intensified malaria elimination efforts across the MOSASWA region, which includes Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa. The organisation says the investment aims to strengthen essential malaria programmes and prevent a resurgence in high-risk communities.
The funding is supported through Goodbye Malaria’s long-term partnerships with Nando’s, Vodacom and the Relate Trust. These collaborations highlight the role that purpose-driven businesses can play in supporting national health goals and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Sherwin Charles, Co-founder and CEO of Goodbye Malaria, said the commitment reflects the organisation’s continued focus on preventing malaria-related deaths and strengthening resilience in affected communities. He noted that coordinated efforts between governments, the private sector and international partners have already demonstrated measurable impact in the region.
Although South Africa has significantly reduced local malaria transmission, nearly five million people remain at risk, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In neighbouring countries, transmission levels remain higher, and the need for sustained intervention is critical. Goodbye Malaria’s work in mobile testing, indoor residual spraying, surveillance and community education has helped protect millions of people in recent years, but emerging challenges — including insecticide resistance, climate pressures and shifting mosquito patterns — continue to threaten progress.
International partners have also maintained support for malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis programmes, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in strengthening public health systems. Continued investment is needed to protect frontline services such as vector control, testing, treatment, vaccination and monitoring.
Goodbye Malaria said its R94 million commitment is intended to help close funding gaps and reinforce efforts to eliminate malaria in Southern Africa. The organisation emphasised that long-term success will depend on sustained collaboration across governments, businesses, and civil society to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the next generation grows up free from malaria.
