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World Malaria Day 2025

25 April 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CET Geneva, Switzerland Hybrid

To mark World Malaria Day, the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Geneva (GAF), the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), FIND, the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, and the World Health Organization (WHO) are organizing a roundtable discussion on the theme: “Innovating Together to End Malaria”.

This event will bring together diplomats, organizational leaders, and other key stakeholders in global public health to discuss crucial actions in the fight against malaria, including the latest developments and necessary innovations, at a time when the threat of financial cuts risks undermining past achievements and progress.

Participation is free, but confirmation is mandatory and required no later than Tuesday, April 22, 2025, via the following address: MWD@finddx.org

For any questions or further information, please contact Béatrice Bernescut, Beatrice.Bernescut@finddx.org; Mobile: +41 79 963 86 78.

Program

Schedule
08:45 – 09:45 AM Badge collection
09:00 – 10:00 AMWelcome coffee
10:00 – 10:05 AMWelcome remarks

  • - H.E. Mr. Henri Eli Monceau, Permanent Representative of the OIF in Geneva
    		•
    10:10 – 10:20 AMVideo messages

  • - H.E. Mrs. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the FRANCOPHONIE

  • - Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO)
    • 10:20 – 10:25 AMIntroductory remarks

  • - Prof. Marcel Tanner, Director Emeritus of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and Professor of Epidemiology and Medical Parasitology at the University of Basel and at the Federal Institute of Technology
    		•
    10:25 – 11:20 AMPanel

  • - H.E. Ms. Clara Delgado Jesus, Ambassador of the Republic of Cape Verde

  • - H.E. Mr. Salomon Eheth, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon

  • - Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria

  • - Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa, CEO of FIND

  • - Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Director of the Global Malaria Program, WHO

  • - Dr. Marijke Wijnroks, Head of Strategy, Investment and Impact, Global Fund

    		•
    11:20 – 11:30 AMOther interventions

  • - Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa CDC (video message)

  • - Mrs. Olivia Ngou, Executive Director, Impact Santé Afrique (online)

  • - Mrs. Sylvie Fonteilles-Drabek, General Counsel and COO, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV)
    		•
    11:30 – 11:55 AMExchange with the audience
    11:55 – 12:00 PMClosing remarks

  • - Dr. Richard Mihigo, Director, Programmatic and Strategic Engagement AU/Africa CDC, Gavi
    		•

    The event will be moderated by H.E. Mr. Henri Eli Monceau, Permanent Representative of the OIF in Geneva.

    Speakers

    Speakers
    		H.E. Mr. Henri Eli Monceau

    Henri Eli Monceau has been the Permanent Representative of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to the United Nations in Geneva and Vienna, and to other international organizations in Switzerland and Austria, since May 2023. He previously served as Director of Economic and Digital Francophonie (2020–2023) and as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and Vienna (2017–2020). His earlier roles include High Representative for Fundamental Rights and the Digital Economy for the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Chief of Staff to several Belgian ministers, and Programme Director at the Jacques Delors Institute. With expertise in digital governance, innovation policy, and multilateral affairs, he holds degrees in economics, political science, and medieval history, as well as a certificate in innovation management. He was born on 22 May 1965, is married, and has three daughters.
    		Prof. Marcel Tanner

    Prof. Marcel Tanner is Director Emeritus of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and Professor of Epidemiology and Medical Parasitology at the University of Basel. He holds a PhD in medical biology and an MPH, and has over four decades of experience in infectious disease research, public health, and health systems, particularly in Africa and Asia. He co-led the first African malaria vaccine trial in 1992 and has published over 400 research papers. Prof. Tanner also advises numerous global health institutions, including WHO, DNDi, and others. He is a FIND Board Member.
    		Dr Michael Adekunle Charles

    Dr Michael Adekunle Charles is Chief Executive Officer at the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, which brings together over 500 partners dedicated to eliminating the disease. His leadership is dedicated to putting malaria high on the global health agenda and pursuing interventions that holistically address the disease and the way it intersects with other factors such as climate, gender, poverty and inequity. He is passionate about coordinating malaria interventions, strengthening health systems and working with partners around the world to bring together the right tools to combat the disease. A seasoned leader and medical doctor, Dr Charles also served at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for 17 years, where he was at the helm of strategically aligning the organisation's Africa vision to meet evolving needs. He is an ardent humanitarian and international diplomat who has led teams around the world to deliver diverse and impactful humanitarian and development programmes.
    		Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa

    Dr. Adetifa is a pediatrician and infectious disease epidemiologist who formerly served as Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (NCDC), where he led Nigeria’s COVID-19 response and secured major funding for public health initiatives. He has extensive experience with epidemic-prone diseases, vaccines, and health systems at national and international levels. A member of CEPI’s Scientific Advisory Committee, he holds medical and postgraduate degrees from institutions in Nigeria, the UK, and the Netherlands, and previously served as an associate professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
    		Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi

    Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi, appointed Director of WHO’s Global Malaria Programme in April 2023, is a medical doctor and public health expert with extensive experience in malaria control and health systems. He previously served as Rwanda’s Minister of Health (2020–2022), leading key health strategies including the COVID-19 response. He has also worked with WHO Rwanda on malaria and NTDs, and coordinated major donor-funded health projects for the Rwandan Ministry of Health. Dr. Ngamije is a former Co-chair of the Pandemic Fund and a member of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board.
    		Dr. Marijke Wijnroks

    Marijke Wijnroks, a Dutch physician with a background in tropical medicine, has served as Chief of Staff at the Global Fund since 2013. Over the years, she has also taken on several interim leadership roles, including Executive Director and heads of HR and Strategy. With a career that spans fieldwork with MSF, project leadership with Helen Keller International, and advisory roles at PAHO/WHO and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she brings deep expertise in global health, HIV/AIDS, gender, and health systems. As of January 2023, she leads four departments at the Global Fund and continues to chair the Grants Approval Committee.
    		H.E. Mrs. Clara Delgado Jesus

    With over 13 years of diplomatic experience, H.E. Mrs. Clara Delgado Jesus is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cabo Verde to the United Nations in Geneva. In this capacity, she represents her country in multilateral forums such as the UN Human Rights Council, the WTO, and the WHO, while also strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation on issues like sustainable development, human rights, trade, and health. Prior to this, she was the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Cabo Verde for four years, advising on foreign policy and international relations. She also served as the Deputy Head of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires at the Cabo Verde Embassy in Luxembourg for six and a half years. Her expertise includes diplomacy, negotiation, communication, leadership, and intercultural competence. She is deeply committed to advancing Cabo Verde's interests, promoting peace, democracy, and human rights globally.
    		H.E. Mr. Salomon Eheth

    Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Eheth had been serving as Director of the International Relations Institute of Cameroon since 2017. He was an Advisor to the President of Cameroon from 2000 to 2017, and Chief of the Service of Regulations at the Ministry of External Relations of Cameroon from 1989 to 2000.
    A career diplomat, Mr. Eheth has participated in many meetings within the framework of the United Nations, the African Union and other international organizations.
    Mr. Eheth has a Ph.D. in international relations and international law from the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, University of Yaounde. He was born on 15 May 1961 in Ndikinimeki, Cameroon, and is married with five children.
    		Dr. Jean Kaseya

    Dr. Jean Kaseya was appointed Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC) in February 2023. A Congolese Medical Doctor with advanced degrees in Epidemiology and Community Health, he brings over 25 years of public health experience. As Director-General, he focuses on advancing a transformative "New Deal" for Africa CDC to strengthen health security, improve governance, and enhance health systems. Dr. Kaseya led Africa CDC’s regional response to the mpox outbreak, securing vaccine approvals and donations. Previously, he held key roles in his home country and internationally with organizations like UNICEF, Gavi, CHAI, and WHO. He is also a Senior Adviser to President Laurent Desire Kabila and has contributed significantly to national health policies and immunization programs. Dr. Kaseya is a family man and father of three daughters.
    		Mrs. Olivia Ngou

    Olivia Ngou is a passionate advocate for malaria elimination, focusing on Cameroon and globally. She is the Global Coordinator of Civil Society for Malaria Elimination (CS4ME), a network advocating for community-centered malaria efforts. Olivia is also a member of the Communities Delegation to the Global Fund Board and previously served as Africa Deputy Programs and Cameroon Country Director for Malaria No More. Her work has led to increased political commitment and national funding for malaria control in Cameroon. At just 34, Olivia advises the Cameroon government on health policies and provides technical support to other African countries on malaria programs.
    		Sylvie Fonteilles-Drabek

    As MMV’s General Counsel and COO, Sylvie is responsible for legal, quality, compliance and governance matters. Sylvie brings more than 35 years of experience, including almost 20 years at MMV. She previously worked at the World Bank in Washington, DC, the United Nations Compensation Commission in Geneva, and in the private sector in the US and in France. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Law from Paris XI University, France, and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Bloomington University.
    		Dr. Richard Mihigo

    Dr. Richard Mihigo is a senior public health expert with over 30 years of experience in health systems and disease control. At Gavi, he leads strategic engagement with the African Union and Africa CDC to advance primary health care and universal health coverage across Africa.
    He previously served as Director of COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery at Gavi, helping coordinate the delivery of nearly 2 billion doses to 146 countries. Before Gavi, he led the Immunisation & Vaccines Development Programme at WHO Africa and coordinated the regional COVID-19 vaccine response.
    Earlier, Dr. Mihigo held senior roles in Rwanda’s health system, including Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation and Permanent Secretary for the Global Fund's Country Coordinating Mechanism. He has also worked with UNICEF, USAID, and other global health partners.