Emma Orefuwa, Co-founder of the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) is on a mission to end malaria, ensuring African solutions are at the heart of this fight.

As a second-generation African diasporan of Nigerian and Seychellois descent, witnessing the impact of the disease early in her career – as well as her generational connection – ignited Emma’s passion and motivation to work to end malaria.

“I first got involved with vector-borne diseases in 2002 when I travelled to Nigeria to work with an NGO on lymphatic filariasis,” says Emma, “While I travelled across communities in Nigeria, I also saw how people were affected by malaria every day. I also have family members who have been affected by malaria – so I have seen first-hand the impact of this disease.”

PAMCA is an African-led network of scientists, Public Health professionals, and other stakeholders dedicated to identifying unified approaches to fighting malaria and vector-borne disease across the African continent. Emma explains: “My work at the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association is helping to end malaria by creating space for African scientists, researchers and civil society to really drive efforts around evidence-based interventions, malaria research and innovations.”

Science and innovation have accelerated progress to zero malaria, and we have the most impressive pipeline of transformative tools to fight malaria yet.

In her drive to support African scientists and African-led interventions to eliminate malaria, Emma stresses that Africa is equipped to end this disease. “We know how to end malaria. We have the tools and knowledge, especially in Africa, to achieve this, we just need to ensure the resources are there to support it.”

We have the power to end malaria – now, we need investment and commitment to achieve it. Join the Zero Malaria Starts With Me movement today.