In Geneva, on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly, UNOPS Director for Global Portfolios Émilie Potvin sat down with Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, to reflect on the critical path forward in the fight to eliminate malaria by 2030.
Despite being both preventable and treatable, malaria continues to threaten millions of lives each year — particularly in Africa, where the burden remains greatest. Through stronger partnerships, smarter strategies, and renewed political will, there is hope that the tide can be turned.
Held at the Global Health Campus in Geneva, the conversation coincided with the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) — a key moment in the global health calendar where leaders take stock of progress and recommit to collective action.
For UNOPS, this was also an opportunity to unpack the strength of its hosting model, which supports powerful organisations like RBM Partnership to End Malaria to operate with agility, purpose, and scale.
Accelerating progress through the Big Push
At the centre of the current strategy of RBM’s Partnership to End Malaria is the Big Push Against Malaria — a five-year, country-led action plan designed to reignite momentum across the malaria response.
“The Big Push is about alignment and action,” explained Dr. Charles. “It brings together governments, civil society, the private sector and communities to deliver measurable impact based on national priorities.”
This renewed energy, he said, is reflected in stronger political leadership, increased partner alignment, and a growing commitment to scale innovative tools — from new-generation bed nets to real-time data systems.
Progress is possible — but only if we continue to invest in what works, embed efficiencies, and collaborate with purpose. We’re proud to support the RBM Partnership and the life-saving work it leads.
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Unlocking financing, driving results
While the ambition is clear, Dr. Charles acknowledged that global financing remains a challenge.
“We’re combining ambition with accountability,” he said. “Every dollar spent on malaria saves lives and strengthens health systems. But in today’s financial climate, we need to demonstrate not just the need — but the impact.”
UNOPS' role in this, through its hosting of RBM, is to ensure efficient grant management and operational agility. “It’s the behind-the-scenes support that makes a big difference,” noted Dr. Charles.
Absolutely, Michael — and at UNOPS, we're incredibly proud to stand behind the RBM Partnership to End Malaria in this vital mission. Our role may often be behind the scenes, but we know how critical it is to ensure that every dollar is managed efficiently and that operations run smoothly. It’s about creating the conditions for success — so that partners like you can stay focused on what matters most: saving lives, driving impact, and moving us closer to a malaria-free world
Building systems that work — for everyone
As malaria intersects with broader global challenges — from climate change to gender inequality — both leaders agreed on the importance of integrated, multisectoral responses.
“Malaria doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” said Dr. Charles. “We need to see it as part of a larger development and resilience agenda. The good news is, more partners are recognizing these links and stepping up in holistic ways.”
UNOPS and RBM are working hand-in-hand to make that vision a reality — ensuring countries not only receive support, but lead their own progress.
In closing, Émilie Potvin reflected on the power of partnerships to drive impact. For Dr. Charles, it’s this spirit of solidarity that fuels the journey ahead. “If we stay aligned,” he said, “we can finish the job on malaria once and for all.”
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