Canal+ Senegal, the National Malaria Control Program of Senegal, and Speak Up Africa sign a memorandum of understanding to fight malaria

April 17, 2025 – Dakar, Senegal

Ahead of World Malaria Day, Speak Up Africa, Canal+ Senegal, and the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP) have joined forces to ramp up the response to one of the continent’s deadliest diseases. On April 17, 2025, the three partners signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a strategic milestone in the fight against malaria in Senegal.

This unprecedented partnership represents a strong alliance between the public sector, private sector, and civil society – a collective and urgent response to a scourge that continues to claim lives daily. Aligned with the priorities of Senegal’s National Strategic Plan to combat malaria, this collaboration aims to strengthen awareness, accelerate prevention efforts, and mobilize sustainable resources to eliminate the disease.

Despite significant progress, malaria remains the leading cause of death among children under five and pregnant women. According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2023, nearly 263 million new cases were reported worldwide, resulting in 597,000 deaths, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, seasonal transmission peaks continue to hit the most vulnerable communities.

Professor Aliou Thiongane, Coordinator of the National Malaria Control Program of Senegal, stated:
« In a context of declining international funding, private sector involvement is no longer optional: it’s a necessity. This partnership is part of an ambitious dynamic to close gaps, innovate communication approaches, and support health authorities in achieving the ‘Zero Malaria’ goal. »

Since 2021, Speak Up Africa and Canal+ have built a solid partnership to support malaria elimination efforts in Francophone Africa. During this period, Canal+ has contributed $1.5 million through media support and direct donations. The company has leveraged its wide media reach and CSR initiatives to raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and strengthen health systems in collaboration with national health programs.

Notable contributions include:

• A social media campaign focused on malaria as part of their “One Month, One Cause” initiative
• The “Zero Malaria Together” concert featuring African artists like Lokua Kanza
• Distribution of 5,000 informational flyers in Dakar
• Broadcast of awareness messages continent-wide via Canal+ Afrique

The PNLP played a key role in crafting these messages to ensure they were adapted to local contexts and needs.

Ms. Fara Ndiaye, Deputy Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, added:
« By partnering with the PNLP and Speak Up Africa, Canal+ shows that companies can be key agents of change. This partnership represents a new way of doing public health: inclusive, innovative, and driven by powerful alliances for impact. »

Canal+ Senegal is committed to:

• Engaging its staff, subscribers, and partners in awareness and prevention initiatives
• Providing equipment to help the PNLP meet its goals
• Supporting the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” campaign through mass communication
• Promoting the “Voix EssentiELLES” initiative to enhance women’s inclusion in health leadership
• Highlighting all partnership initiatives across its media platforms

Ms. Fatou Sow Ba, Managing Director of Canal+ Senegal, said:
« Media plays a vital role in malaria prevention. Through mass communication, we can reach wide audiences, educate them, and encourage life-saving behaviors. The private sector has a key role to play. We invite all companies to join forces with public and civil society actors to eradicate this disease. Together, we can save lives. »