President Uhuru Kenyatta (pictured) has taken over the chairmanship of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).
The Alliance is a coalition of African Heads of State and Government advancing advocacy efforts, resource mobilisation and accountability in the fight against malaria across Africa.
Uhuru, who takes over from King Mswati of Eswatini, will lead the alliance for two years.
In accepting the new role, the President said he is committed to the objective of ending malaria in Africa.
“I am pleased to take over this role as ALMA Chair. Significant gains have been made in the battle against malaria, but progress has slowed in recent years.
"As we enter the decade to end malaria, I am committed to ensuring we accelerate progress and end this disease once and for all," he said in a statement to the African Union.
Uhuru skipped the African Union assembly of Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this week in honour of the late former President Daniel Moi whose state funeral service will be held tomorrow at Nyayo National Stadium.
The former President will be buried on Wednesday at his Kabarak home in Nakuru County.
In his statement, Uhuru said improved health is at the centre of Africa’s development agenda and is part of the AU's Agenda 2063.
Africa accounts for 93 per cent of global malaria cases and 94 per cent of all malaria deaths. Out of this, 10 countries on the continent account for 67 per cent of all malaria cases and 62 per cent of all deaths.
Dr. Amira el-Fadil, Commissioner for Social Affairs for the African Union Commission, welcomed Uhuru in his new role as chair of the leaders' alliance.
“Ending malaria on the African continent is a key priority outlined in the Catalytic Framework to End HIV, TB and Eliminate Malaria and we are committed to achieving this goal.
"I welcome His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta as the new Chair of ALMA and look forward to working with him to end this terrible disease,” Mr el-Fadil said.