Global Fund launches regional malaria grant for Southern Africa, supporting response to growing risks from extreme weather events in Mozambique – press releases

Global Fund launches regional malaria grant for Southern Africa, supporting response to growing risks from extreme weather events in Mozambique

MOSASWA regional partnership provides $24 million catalytic investment to reply to post-flood malaria crisis surge

April 23, 2026

– The Global Fund today announced a brand new phase within the fight against malaria in Southern Africa, launching the multi-country MOSASWA grant together with additional emergency and weather-based investments to deal with the growing risk of malaria across the region. The announcement comes ahead of World Malaria Day and highlights the urgent have to speed up progress towards eliminating the disease.

The MOSASWA initiative – which incorporates Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) – is the idea for coordinated, cross-border efforts to eliminate malaria, recognizing that the disease is transmitted through humans, parasites and, increasingly, extreme weather events.

At the center of this effort is an initiative that has brought together $8 million from the Global Fund, $12 million from the Gates Foundation, $4 million in financial support, and $1.5 million in in-kind support from Goodbye Malaria in a single unified mechanism – ensuring greater compliance and greater impact.

“This is what it takes to defeat malaria in today’s world” – . “MOSASWA is already showing what is possible – reducing the burden of malaria and reducing cross-border transmission – when countries and partners align to a common regional strategy. We can reduce transmission, protect hard-earned gains and move closer to elimination. But in an era of increasing mobility and more frequent extreme weather events, we must go further – building multi-layered, resilient responses that can adapt to evolving threats.”

The MOSASWA partnership has already delivered good results, including a big reduction in malaria cases in southern Mozambique and an almost 50% reduction within the variety of cases imported into South Africa and Eswatini. The recent subsidy will maintain momentum with targeted cross-border interventions, enhanced surveillance and expanded reach to mobile and last-mile populations.

Stressing the importance of sustained partnerships and national leadership: “Mozambique has made significant progress in the fight against malaria, but the threats we face – particularly from extreme weather events and population movements – require continued cooperation across borders. The MOSASWA initiative strengthens our ability to protect our communities, reach vulnerable populations and stay on the path to elimination.”

Responding to the increasing risk of malaria on account of extreme weather events

Complementing the MOSASWA grant, the Global Fund is mobilizing targeted resources to reply to the increasing impact of maximum weather events on malaria transmission.

Following the severe floods that hit Mozambique in early 2026, indoor residual spraying and using larvicides ought to be supported in Maputo and Gaza provinces, areas where the danger of malaria transmission has increased dramatically.

The floods damaged over 1,000 kilometers of roads, 228 bridges and over 250 health centers, hampering access to health care and creating large areas of floodwaters – ideal conditions for breeding mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite. Malaria cases increased by greater than 90% in Maputo province and by greater than 200% in Gaza province in comparison with the identical period in 2025.

“That’s why the Emergency Fund exists – to enable a quick, targeted response when risks rise beyond projections” – . “By using the MOSASWA platform, we can quickly scale up interventions, reach affected communities and prevent further transmission of the virus in high-risk areas.”

This support, delivered through the MOSASWA platform, enables a rapid, coordinated response targeting high-risk areas and displaced populations.

A layered approach to elimination and health safety

Together, the MOSASWA grant and emergency response funding provide a layered approach – combining long-term regional coordination with rapid response capabilities.

This integrated model supports malaria elimination while strengthening cross-border surveillance, increasing the resilience of health systems and preparedness for future epidemics and shocks.

As Southern African countries move closer to elimination, sustained investment, coordination and flexibility shall be crucial to completing the duty.