The Institution-based Network on China–Africa Cooperation for Malaria Elimination: fostering a transcontinental hub for strengthening China–Africa cooperation on malaria control and elimination efforts

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in Africa, which continues to bear the greatest burden. The transboundary nature of malaria necessitates regional collaboration, yet transcontinental knowledge-sharing mechanisms remain limited. The World Health Organization's (WHO) certification of China as malaria-free in 2021 presents an opportunity to leverage its expertise, cost-effective products, and elimination strategies to support Africa's malaria control efforts. The Institution-based Network on China-Africa Cooperation for Malaria Elimination (INCAM) was established in 2018 to bridge this gap, fostering cross-continental collaboration through knowledge exchange, product innovation, and policy advocacy. Between 2019 and 2025, INCAM has convened six fora, facilitated to promote the adaptation of China's anti-malaria practices to African contexts. These fora promoted the exploration of demand-driven research, the development of innovative anti-malarial products, and the advancement of evidence-based policies. INCAM exemplifies the potential of China-Africa collaboration to accelerate malaria control and elimination in Africa through solutions tailored to local contexts. To sustain this progress, there is an urgent need for stronger Public-Private-Academic Partnerships, and enhanced capacity-building programs. By addressing these gaps, INCAM can maximize its role as a leading transcontinental hub for malaria control and elimination for China and Africa.