World Malaria Day: Chevron Reaffirms Commitment To Eradication Of Scourge In Africa

Chevron has reiterated its commitment to supporting malaria eradication efforts across Africa, as global health experts warned that progress against the disease was stalling despite decades of intervention.

Highlighting the urgency of renewed action, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom, warned that the fight against malaria was at a critical crossroads, even as the world commemorates World Malaria Day on April 25.

“We have the knowledge, lifesaving tools and proven strategies to end malaria. But progress has stalled, and decades of hard-won gains are in jeopardy. Malaria continues to claim a life every minute, with most deaths occurring in the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region,” he said.

“The choice is ours: act now or risk losing ground. Ending malaria is not just a health imperative; it is an investment in a more equitable, safer, and more prosperous future for every nation.”

According to the latest World Malaria Report, there were 282 million malaria cases globally in 2024, an increase of about nine million cases, or three per cent, compared to 2023.

The report also indicated that malaria-related deaths rose to 610,000 in 2024 from 598,000 the previous year, with the WHO African Region continuing to bear the highest burden.

World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, serves as a platform to raise awareness of the need for sustained investment in prevention and control efforts. This year’s theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” underscores the urgency of collective action to tackle the disease.

Chevron, in a statement, said it has continued to collaborate with governments, global health institutions, and community partners across Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon to strengthen malaria prevention, treatment, and health systems.

The company noted that its interventions are driven by a commitment to improving health outcomes and building resilient communities in areas where it operates.

“In the communities around its areas of operations in Nigeria, Chevron invests in initiatives, health education programs and awareness activities conducted within various communities and in the workplace,” the statement said.

It added that through partnerships with organisations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, PATH, and the Corporate Alliance for Malaria in Africa, it has supported the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, health worker training, disease surveillance, and public awareness campaigns.

Chevron stated that its efforts have reached thousands of households in the Niger Delta, contributing to improved diagnosis and treatment and reduced malaria risk.

Beyond Nigeria, the company highlighted its role in the Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project in Equatorial Guinea, a public-private partnership aimed at improving health outcomes and achieving malaria elimination targets.

The initiative, which has run for over two decades, was recognised in 2023 for its impact and named Project of the Year at Africa Energy Week in 2025. It has since expanded beyond Bioko Island to support nationwide malaria elimination efforts.

In Cameroon and other parts of the region, Chevron said its collaboration with the Global Fund continues to support prevention strategies and strengthen healthcare systems.

Speaking on the company’s approach, Brent Gros, President of Chevron Offshore Business Unit, said malaria remains a major public health challenge in parts of Africa where the company operates.

“Our approach is rooted in long-term partnerships that strengthen local capacity, support government-led health strategies, and deliver lasting impact for families and communities,” he said.

“These efforts align with Chevron’s broader partnership strategy, which focuses on health, education, and economic development to drive sustainable progress across Africa.”

Also speaking, Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria and Mid Africa Region, described the company’s partnership with the Global Fund as a strategic contribution to improving public health.

He said, “Chevron has been one of the largest Global Fund corporate partners, and its partnership focuses on capacity development initiatives, joint advocacy and communications campaigns, and other local initiatives.

“Chevron also encourages its staff to share their skills with the local programmes to help improve grant reach and performance.”

Swartz added that the company has continued to receive recognition for its efforts to combat malaria and remains committed to working with local and international partners to scale up prevention and treatment programmes.

He noted that Chevron would continue to invest in community education and support innovative solutions to eliminate malaria across Africa.