African leaders from 26 countries have launched a fresh drive to eliminate malaria, writes The World Bank.
The launch came at the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa.
Weapons are a combination of bed nets, insecticides and medication, Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete said on Wednesday.
About one million people die every year worldwide from the disease, of whom 85 percent are in Africa, Kikwete said.
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African countries and international organizations will grasp the opportunity of the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa to advocate the fight against malaria and accelerate actions of confronting the No.1 killer of children under five on the continent.
Malaria is taking a heavy toll on Africa’s economic and social development.
It not only kills a child every 30 seconds, but also contributes to the cycle of poverty.
The Global Malaria Action Plan estimates that malaria costs Africa 12 billion U.S. dollars (ca. 69 milliarder d. kr.) each year in direct economic losses, and much more in lost productivity.
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It has been widely acknowledged that the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is a crucial measure to protect people from malaria.
The disease is caused by parasites and transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
World Economic Forum on Africa is held from May 5 to 7th
It is gathering more than 10 African heads of state and government, and around 1,000 participants from over 80 countries to discuss the continent’s development agenda.
Participants are expected to exchange ideas on Africa’s growth strategy, the continent’s response to the global economic crisis, infrastructure development, and peace and security, among others.
