In March, an ANPA delegation attended the Annual United Nations Foundation United Against Malaria. The event took place from 10-12 March 2024 in Washington DC. This event, organized by the United Nations Foundation, convened global leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates. Its aim was to address ongoing challenges and highlight strategies for combating malaria, a disease that continues to pose significant health and economic burdens, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The ANPA delegation included myself, Dr. Cliff Eke, the ANPA President Elect, Dr. Chinelo Ogbogu the ANPA Membership Committee Chair. Our team also included twenty members of the ANPA Younger Generation who applied for and were accepted in the Leadership summit from all over the country.
Key Highlights of the event included policy discussions centered on the latest policies, initiatives, and innovations in malaria prevention, including diagnosis, and treatment. Participants also explored ways to strengthen health systems and improve access to essential malaria interventions. I was honored to be one of the Panelist Speakers on Civic Society and Malaria Advocacy.
The Event sessions also emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and academia. Participants shared best practices, success stories, and lessons learned from various malaria control programs.
A spotlight was placed on groundbreaking research, new technologies, and innovative approaches in malaria control. The United Nations Foundation United Against Malaria event also showcased cutting-edge tools and strategies that hold promise in accelerating progress towards malaria elimination.
Advocacy sessions focused on raising awareness about the importance of sustained political commitment and increased funding for malaria control and elimination efforts. This culminated in a visit to Capitol Hill and meetings with US Congressmembers, leveraging partnerships to support malaria programs at both national and global levels.
The United Against Malaria Leadership Event served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, rallying global efforts to accelerate progress towards a malaria-free world. Participants left with renewed commitments, actionable insights, and a strengthened resolve to work together in the fight against malaria.
Other major highlights this month included enhanced preparation for our upcoming 2024 ANPA Medical Mission in Umuahia, Abia State, development of our communications document to guide our communication in the organization, participation in breakout sessions of the annual United Nations Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) panelist discussions.
This month, the ANPA Board held its quarterly Board Meeting where issues of significance were discussed, including updates on redefinition of our Mission and Vision statements to encompass edits to take us to another triennial.
Our ANPA Chapter Chair meeting was also held this month where important updates were discussed. These included updates on a Split Payment System from Club Express, updates on the ANPA@30 planned ANPA Medical Mission Week in April 2025, where we intend to do something we’ve never done before in having our Medical Mission and Scientific Convention at the time in Lagos Nigeria! I encourage everyone to save the date on this.
As we enter the month of April, the month of our Annual Medical Mission Week, I wish everyone a successful month ahead, filled with impact as our Medical Mission approaches.
To all our Christian and Muslim family, I wish a Happy Easter celebration and Happy Eid Mubarak in April. And to the Physicians of our Organization, Happy Doctor’s Day, to you, the guardians of health, whose expertise and dedication save lives every day.
Thank you.
Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu,
National President,
Association of Nigerian Physicians
in the Americas