“Free Africa from Malaria NOW!” is the slogan for 2007 Africa Malaria Day on April 25th.
It emphasizes that there is no time to waste in the urgent struggle against malaria, writes the World Health Organization, WHO, online.
The slogan recognizes the tremendous burden of malaria on the lives and economies of those living in endemic countries. With malaria claiming the lives of children and incapacitating adults, the disease is holding back the development of an entire continent.
The slogan is an appeal not only to the urgency but also to the possibility of immediate action. New funding and new technologies are starting to show impressive results, already saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of Africans. With more resources, more coordination and more leadership, we can save and improve the lives of millions – NOW!
Leadership and Partnership for Results is this year’s Africa Malaria Day theme.
LEADERSHIP is required at all levels to meet the challenges of scaling up malaria control. Countries must show leadership in prioritizing malaria and increasing their health budgets.
They must demonstrate leadership in managing malaria resources effectively – a successful use of existing funds is most likely to attract new financial resources.
Community and corporate leadership is also critical in effective implementation, as is the leadership of NGOs and others working at all levels.
PARTNERSHIP is key in overcoming implementation bottlenecks and ensuring that commodities begin to flow to where they are needed most. Only by working together can we hope to control malaria. Partners must coordinate and harmonize their activities under the leadership of countries with a clear focus on achieving results.
RESULTS means saving lives! This will happen on a large scale if countries can achieve 80% coverage of populations at risk with insecticide treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and the most effective malaria treatments available today – ACTs.
Læs mere: www.who.int
