Global Fund Launches $24 Million MOSASWA Malaria Grant for Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini

The Global Fund announced the launch of the MOSASWA multi-country grant on April 23, 2026, targeting malaria elimination in Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini. The initiative includes US$8 million from the Global Fund, US$12 million from the Gates Foundation, and US$4 million in financial support plus US$1.5 million of in-kind support from Goodbye Malaria.

The partnership has already achieved significant declines in malaria cases in southern Mozambique and a nearly 50% reduction in imported malaria cases into South Africa and Eswatini.

"This is what it takes to defeat malaria in today's world," said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. "MOSASWA is already demonstrating what's possible - reducing the malaria burden and limiting cross-border transmission - when countries and partners align behind a shared regional strategy.

We can drive down transmission, protect hard-won gains and move closer to elimination.

The MOSASWA initiative spans Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini, focusing on coordinated cross-border efforts.

Emphasizing the importance of sustained partnership and national leadership, Dr. Ussene Hilário Isse, Minister of Health of Mozambique, said: "Mozambique has made significant progress against malaria, but the risks we face - particularly from extreme weather events and population movement - require continued collaboration across borders.

The announcement aligns with efforts to address rising malaria risks from extreme weather.

Severe flooding struck Mozambique in early 2026, damaging more than 1,000 kilometers of roads, 228 bridges and over 250 health facilities. Malaria cases increased by over 90% in Maputo Province and by more than 200% in Gaza Province compared to the same period in 2025.

The floods created large areas of floodwaters, providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite.

Following severe flooding across Mozambique in early 2026, the Global Fund has approved US$2.1 million in emergency funding to support indoor residual spraying and larvicide application in Maputo and Gaza provinces - areas where malaria transmission risk has sharply increased.

"This is exactly why the Emergency Fund exists - to enable a rapid, targeted response when risks escalate beyond what was anticipated," said Mark Edington, Head of Grant Management at the Global Fund. "By using the MOSASWA platform, we can move quickly to scale up interventions, reach affected communities and prevent further transmission in high-risk areas."

The emergency measures complement the broader MOSASWA grant, enabling a layered approach to malaria elimination and health security in the region.