World Mosquito Day 2025: The Power of Youth in the Fight Against Mosquitoes and Malaria 

A Youth Movement for Global Health

In support of the African Union’s push for youth leadership as outlined in the Africa Youth Charter, the AU Roadmap on Harnessing the Demographic Dividend, and Agenda 2063, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) launched an ambitious youth engagement initiative in 2021 to engage young people as global health champions. 

This initiative led to the establishment of national Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps across the continent, uniting thousands of young leaders committed to driving action and accountability in the fight against malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

Drawn from diverse fields such as law, medicine, education, journalism, and community health, among other areas of specialisation, Youth Corps members lead efforts in advocacy, public awareness, sanitation, and vector control. They mobilise peers and communities, while also working with political, religious, and traditional leaders to champion the health agenda at every level. 

Today, the network of Youth Corps has expanded to 17 countries, with thousands of young people playing an active role in advancing Africa’s health and development agenda. This World Mosquito Day, we feature some of the activities led by these young champions in strengthening community-level vector control efforts.  

“The network of Youth Corps has expanded to 17 countries, with thousands of young people playing an active role in advancing Africa’s health and development agenda.”

Sandrine Christelle Ngwat , Executive President, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Youth Corps Cameroon (MNYCC)

Cameroon: Digital Innovation for Greater Impact 

In Cameroon, the national Youth Corps played a key role in the 2022 nationwide distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). By developing digital tools, the team helped identify target populations more efficiently and supported the campaign led by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP). 

Their work goes beyond net distribution. Youth members lead urban sanitation campaigns and provide support to vulnerable communities, including residents of the Maroua refugee camp. They also act as intermediaries, adapting new malaria control strategies to local contexts and assisting national authorities in advocacy efforts aimed at improving community health systems. 

Burkina Faso: A Local Network with National Reach 

In Burkina Faso, the Youth Corps has established focal points in all 70 health districts across the country. This grassroots network collaborates closely with the Permanent Secretariat for the Fight Against Malaria, especially in prevention campaigns ahead of the rainy season.

“On World Mosquito Day, it is crucial to recognize the critical and strategic role of youth in the effort to eliminate malaria in Africa.”

Abdoul-Fataou Alassane Maiga, President, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Youth Corps Burkina Faso (MNYCBF) 

Beyond malaria, these young leaders monitor other health challenges such as malnutrition among vulnerable groups including young children and the elderly. In partnership with Target Malaria Burkina Faso, they are also engaged in understanding emerging technologies like gene drive and genomic surveillance, which may accelerate malaria elimination.

A Powerful Youth Voice for Policy Change

Just like their counterparts in Nigeria or Uganda, young leaders from Burkina Faso and Cameroon are building strong working relationships with government institutions. Their goal: to bring field-level insights to national and continental strategies for combating malaria and neglected tropical diseases.

On World Mosquito Day, it is crucial to recognize the critical and strategic role of youth in the effort to eliminate malaria in Africa. With their energy, creativity, and close connection to communities, the youth is truly driving the change toward a malaria-free future.