|
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
Statement by Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator
U.S. Agency for International Development
Regarding Africa Malaria Day
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-029
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) joins the global community in commemorating Africa Malaria Day on Monday, April 26. This year's theme for Africa Malaria Day is A Malaria-Free Future: Children for Children to Roll Back Malaria.
This year's focus on children is especially appropriate. The heart-wrenching truth is that the world's children, particularly those in Africa, shoulder much of malaria's burden. Worldwide, an estimated 300 to 500 million cases of malaria are contracted every year, resulting in up to 2.5 million deaths, mostly among the very young. In Africa alone - where 90 percent of malaria deaths occur - malaria is the leading cause of death for children under 5 years of age. The World Health Organization estimates that 3,000 people die of malaria every day, one every 30 seconds .
Malaria, along with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, is one of the major public health threats in the developing world. To combat this life-threatening illness, USAID has nearly quadrupled funding for malaria activities and programs over the past six years, from $22 million in fiscal year 1998 to $83 million in fiscal year 2004. In addition, USAID has contributed $398 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria since its inception in 2001, and will contribute up to $398 million more in fiscal year 2004.
As we consider the plight of those who face this deadly disease, we pursue the most effective methods of prevention and treatment. USAID aggressively supports combining the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets linked with access to effective anti-malarial drugs to save the most lives. Insecticide-treated nets are an affordable, safe and effective means of keeping malaria-infecting mosquitoes at bay, particularly at night when they are most likely to bite. Furthermore, studies indicate that these nets alone can reduce overall child mortality by as much as 25 to 30 percent, and greatly reduce the chance of malaria infection in children -- fewer infected bites means fewer episodes of acute malarial illness. Insecticide-treated nets can save up to one million lives each year. In addition, new technologies now provide long-lasting nets that remove the need for frequent insecticide re-treatment.
As drug-resistant malaria strains always pose a threat, USAID is committed to accelerating vaccine development for malaria prevention and control programs. Through strategic partnerships, USAID's Malaria Vaccine Development Program supports cutting-edge research on vaccines, including clinical trials, and monitoring and evaluation of malaria vaccine candidates.
The most effective malaria treatment now available is a combination therapy of a rapid-acting artemisinin drug, a plant-based treatment. Since 1998, USAID has aggressively supported the development of combination therapy as a safe and effective alternative treatment when traditional medicines, such as chloroquine or other antimalarial drugs, are ineffective.
Evidence suggests that this combination therapy, if taken promptly and correctly, could reduce malaria deaths by half. In addition, the agency and its global partners in the Roll Back Malaria initiative are working to ensure sustained financing of these vital drugs. The Global Fund has committed more than $30 million over five years for the purchase of artemisinin-based combination therapy, enabling 22 million treatments in total.
USAID is proud of its long-standing commitment to advance global health. The agency is a world leader in advancing the fight against malaria. We have made great strides and will continue to make more. Malaria is a disease that can rob health, happiness and even life. As we look toward the future - a malaria-free future for the world's children - let us continue our forward thinking and hold fast to our long-term resolve. The fight against malaria will not be won overnight. But with a coordinated, global response, we can win small victories every day.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
Back to Top ^
|
RSS Feed for Recent USAID Press Releases
