Science, policy, and communities in dialogue for the launch of Protect the Cure

In January, Impact Santé Afrique and partners convened a high-level regional webinar bringing together scientists, policymakers, civil society leaders, journalists, and malaria programmes to confront one of the most pressing threats to malaria control: antimalarial drug resistance.

The dialogue underscored a clear message: protecting malaria treatment efficacy will require coordinated action across research, policy, community engagement, and communication.

The session opened with remarks from Eugénio Elcina of the Coalition of Parliamentarians to End Malaria in Africa (COPEMA), followed by a keynote address from Dr. Charles Adekunle of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. Dr. Arnaud Le Menach, lead author of the World Malaria Report 2025, World Health Organization (WHO), provided an overview of global malaria trends and the growing challenge of antimalarial resistance across Africa. Dr. André-Marie Tchouatieu, Head of Global Medical Affairs at Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Dr Maciej Boni highlighted the urgency of safeguarding existing treatments while advancing innovative tools to sustain progress against malaria. Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, a Research and Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda, emphasized the role of African scientists and community engagement in ensuring that malaria tools are relevant, trusted, and effective.

Among the webinar participants were representives of National Malaria Control Programmes, parliamentarians, research institutions, civil society, and technical partners, reflecting the collaborative spirit required to address emerging resistance trends. With over 95% of malaria deaths occurring in Africa, the webinar reinforced the importance of African leadership in research, policy, and community engagement to resolve the issue of drug resistance.

Understanding the growing threat of malaria drug resistance

Over the past twenty years, artemisinin‑based combination therapies (ACTs) have played a pivotal role in malaria control and have saved millions of lives. This progress is now in jeopardy as partial resistance to artemisinin, the core component of ACTs, continues to emerge. If this issue is not addressed urgently, rising resistance could undo years of hard‑earned advances in malaria prevention and treatment.

To confront this growing threat, the Boni Lab at Temple University has launched Protect the Cure, a global advocacy initiative taking you inside the fight against partial resistance to artemisinin, the key ingredient in Africa’s most effective malaria treatments. In collaboration with Normal Life Pictures Ltd, the initiative unveiled a four-part documentary series. The series features scientists, public health professionals, and communities on the frontlines, explaining what artemisinin resistance means, why it matters, and how timely, coordinated action can stop it from spreading.