Benin/Launch of the 18th World Malaria Day in Benin: A call to collective action for the definitive eradication of this scourge

On Friday April 25, 2025, the Salle Bleue at Cotonou's Palais des Congrès was the venue for the official launch of the 18th World Malaria Day, under the evocative theme of "Reinvesting, reimagining and rekindling our common efforts to end malaria". The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Health, Mr Benjamin HOUNKPATIN, as well as numerous personalities, including Mr Alain OROUNLA, Prefect of the Littoral department, UNICEF representatives, departmental health directors, technical and financial partners, and women, men and children illustrating the scale of this collective commitment.

Mr. Alain OROUNLA opened the ball of speeches by expressing the urgency of the fight against this scourge: "Malaria is a disease that we know how to prevent and treat, and yet every minute, a child loses his or her life to this pathology". He stressed the importance of this day, instituted in 2005, as an opportunity to reflect on the national situation and the directions needed to intensify prevention efforts.

Lazare Noulekou, Chairman of the "Zero Palu" fund management committee, recalled the progress made, but warned of the risks involved.Lazare Noulekou, Chairman of the Zero Malaria Fund Management Committee, reviewed the progress made, but warned of persistent challenges, notably limited access to health services for vulnerable populations. According to him, malaria not only affects public health, but also has a significant economic impact, resulting in lost productivity at work and at school.

Mr. Ousmane NIANG, representing UNICEF, maintained that the theme of this year's event should encourage renewed commitment to overcoming this endemic disease.

For his part, Minister HOUNKPATIN expressed his gratitude for the mobilization of citizens, and recalled that malaria remains the main reason for consultation and hospitalization in Benin. "In Benin, malaria continues to be a real public health problem because of the consequences it has at community level, in terms of the costs associated with medical care, delayed schooling, and so on.In Benin, malaria continues to be a real public health problem because of the impact it has on communities, due to the costs of medical care, late school attendance, absenteeism from work, loss of productivity and the large number of deaths it causes when care is not provided. It is the leading cause of consultation and hospitalization in the country's health facilities, and above all the leading cause of death in children under 5", he added.

Mr Benjamin HOUNKPATIN concluded by thanking the President of the Republic, Mr Patrice TALON, for his support in the fight against malaria, reaffirming that public health is a national priority.

Source: www.gouv.bj/