UNDP Tackles Malaria with Didier Drogba in New Campaign
As global brands continue to push the boundaries of advertising creativity, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a striking new campaign to raise awareness about malaria, featuring Ivorian football star Didier Drogba.
The campaign, which has drawn attention alongside Nike’s high-profile World Cup advertisements, aims to leverage the appeal of renowned African footballers to highlight the urgent fight against malaria. Drogba, currently a striker for Turkish club Galatasaray, takes centre stage in the UNDP’s latest video, which creatively combines sport with a powerful health message.
In the ad, Drogba is first seen skillfully juggling a football, showcasing his signature finesse on the pitch. Suddenly, the scene shifts dramatically as he confronts an invading swarm of mosquitoes — a vivid metaphor for the disease-carrying insects responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, particularly in Africa.
This visual narrative not only captures attention but also underscores the importance of combating malaria, a disease that continues to threaten millions. The campaign aligns with the UNDP’s ongoing efforts to promote health education and prevention strategies across affected regions.
Drogba joins fellow African football icons Steven Pienaar of South Africa and Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o as goodwill ambassadors for the UNDP. These athletes use their global platforms to advocate for social causes, harnessing their popularity to inspire action and hope.
The video’s engaging format, blending sports excitement with a critical public health message, is designed to resonate widely — especially among children, who are among the most vulnerable to malaria.
With its creative storytelling and star power, the UNDP’s campaign stands out as a compelling example of how sports and social responsibility can intersect to drive change.
You can watch the full video here: UNDP Malaria Awareness Campaign featuring Didier Drogba
