Description
Introduction – objectives
The Swiss Malaria Group (SMG) is a Swiss leadership network that brings together 16 Switzerland-based public, private, academic and civil society institutions working towards a malaria-free world. “Invest, Innovate and Implement”: SMG’s mission is to engage Swiss leaders and the public to provide Swiss leadership against malaria at global and national levels; to strengthen research and innovation by Swiss actors and to fight malaria on the ground in all affected settings.
Methods
Through its members, SMG covers the entire chain of intervention, from research and innovation to large-scale implementation and advocacy on the ground. SMG members are engaged in the research, development and implementation of improved medicines, diagnostics, vaccines, bed nets, integrated vector control methods, and insecticides.
Together, SMG-members contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), most prominently to achieve Target 3.3: “By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.”
The work of the Swiss Malaria Group relies on four strategic pillars as a foundation of sustained Swiss commitment to end malaria. These pillars encompass Networking activities among the SMG members to unfold the full potential of our multistakeholder partnership; Advocacy towards Swiss elected officials and technical agencies to foster political commitment and ensure sustained financial investments in the fight against malaria; Awareness-raising among the Swiss general public about malaria and its relevance for Switzerland and the World, and finally, Technical exchange activities to promote knowledge and expertise-sharing among members for more effective and efficient action.
Results
During SMG’s last strategy period (2020-2023), through regular Networking opportunities, our group has effectively liaised with member organisations and partners to keep global health and the fight against malaria on the political agenda. Through Advocacy, the SMG has managed to strengthen political commitment to fight malaria. In particular, two large events with parliamentarians and a parliamentary study tour to Mozambique in 2022 allowed us to reach essential political stakeholders. SMG was also actively involved in launching the “Swiss Global Health Hub” that resulted in Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter’s parliamentary intervention successful request to include health as a priority theme in Switzerland’s Dispatch on International Cooperation 2024-27. With regard to Public Relations, large online campaigns featuring the two SMG ambassadors Christa Rigozzi and Marcel Bieri contributed to raising awareness of Switzerland’s role in the fight against malaria amongst the broader Swiss public. Finally, the annual Technical Exchanges organised by SMG over the years have provided members with multiple opportunities to share knowledge and expertise that each organisation can apply within their individual setting.
Conclusion
This poster presents the work of the Swiss Malaria Group as a multi-stakeholder partnership and reflects upon its role and potential in the wider context of Swiss engagement in Global Health, and in the fight against malaria in particular.
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