The Liberia Malaria Youth Corps

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Liberia, accounting for a significant proportion of outpatient visits, hospital admissions, and deaths. In 2021, the country recorded approximately 1.9 million malaria cases, resulting in 3,548 deaths. However, progress has been made, with confirmed malaria cases reducing by 21% between 2018 and 2022, dropping from 994,849 to 787,247. Malaria-related deaths also decreased by 30% during the same period, highlighting the impact of sustained interventions. Despite this progress, malaria prevalence among children under five remains high at 10%.

The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly children under five and pregnant women. Rural and underserved communities face the greatest burden due to limited access to healthcare services. Many areas lack sufficient healthcare facilities, trained personnel, and consistent availability of malaria prevention and treatment resources such as insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs.

Community-level challenges further exacerbate the situation. Limited awareness of malaria prevention methods, coupled with cultural and behavioral barriers, leads to low uptake of available interventions. Some communities remain hesitant to seek medical care or adhere to preventive measures, particularly in remote regions where healthcare access is already constrained. Additionally, limited youth participation in malaria prevention programs has hindered the ability to effectively engage younger generations in combating the disease. Young people are often underrepresented in public health initiatives, missing an opportunity to harness their energy, innovation, and influence in local communities.

Despite these challenges, Liberia has made strides toward reducing malaria’s burden. Efforts include mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying campaigns, and improved access to diagnostic and treatment services. In 2024, Liberia introduced the RTS’S malaria vaccine in six high-prevalence counties, targeting 45,000 children. This initiative represents a significant step forward in malaria prevention, especially in regions with high transmission rates.

However, the fight against malaria in Liberia is far from over. Addressing funding gaps, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and increasing community engagement—particularly involving youth—are critical to sustaining progress. Targeted interventions in rural areas and a focus on vulnerable groups will be essential to achieving malaria elimination in the long term.

Youth Leadership and Action for a Malaria-Free Liberia

WE, the youth leaders and representatives from across Liberia, unified under the Liberia Malaria Youth Corps initiative, in partnership with national and international stakeholders, launch our efforts to end malaria in Liberia by 2030. We recognize the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving a malaria-free nation and continent.

RECOGNIZING the heavy toll malaria continues to take on our communities, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children under five and pregnant women, and the critical role youth can play in eliminating this preventable disease;

ACKNOWLEDGING that effective malaria control requires the active involvement of young people, leveraging our energy, innovation, creativity, and connection to the communities most affected by malaria;

INSPIRED by the Pan-African “Zero Malaria Starts With Me” campaign, the foundational work laid by initiatives like the ALMA Youth Program, and commitment of Remote Health Reach to delivering quality health services to underserved communities regardless of location, we recognize our duty to act now to protect future generations;

DO HEREBY DECLARE OUR COMMITMENT TO

1. Create platforms for meaningful youth participation in malaria-related policy dialogues and decision-making processes, ensuring our perspectives shape national health strategies.
2. Mobilize our peers and communities to take ownership of malaria control activities, from prevention to treatment, ensuring widespread education and engagement.
3. Serve as champions of malaria prevention, promoting the use of proven interventions such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and prompt malaria diagnosis and treatment.
4. Work in close partnership with the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), civil society organizations (CSOs), healthcare providers, and global partners to strengthen malaria prevention and control efforts.
5. Urge the government and the private sector to increase investments in malaria programs to build resilient health systems that protect all Liberians and prepare for emerging health challenges.
6. Advocate for equal access to malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, with special consideration for vulnerable and marginalized groups, including people living with disabilities.
7. Use tools like the ALMA Scorecard to hold our leaders accountable for commitments to end malaria and ensure resources are used efficiently and transparently.
8. Encourage and support research and development to discover new, effective solutions for malaria prevention and control, while also using creative approaches to community engagement.
9. Utilize social media, youth events, and public campaigns to ensure malaria remains a priority issue and to empower young people to contribute to malaria elimination.

LMYC 2025 Brochure