Celebrating World Malaria Day
Today is a day to celebrate the amazing results of the last 15 year fight against malaria. World Malaria Day commemorates the date in 2000, when 44 African leaders met in Nigeria and committed their countries to reducing malaria-related deaths.
Between 2000 and 2015, malaria mortality has fallen by 60% globally, saving 6.2 million lives. The number of malaria cases has fallen by 37% globally, and it is estimated that there have been 1.2 billion fewer malaria cases. Fifty-seven countries reduced malaria incidence by more than 85%, and an additional 18 reduced malaria incidence by 50 to 75%.
UN Special Envoy for Health Ray Chambers calls the fight against malaria over the past 15 years one of the greatest success stories in the history of public health.
According to Mr. Chambers we did not accomplish all of this by chance: “The last 15 years have shown us that only when we double down on efforts and move collectively toward clear, time-bound goals can we prevail over this age-old scourge.”
In addition to the 44 African leaders who pledged to take this path in 2000, Asian leaders have joined the fight. Dozens of global partners have contributed funds, staff, supplies, and expertise to enable us to achieve these amazing results: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the US government, the UK government, millions of individuals who have donated to the many non-governmental agencies working to end malaria.
As Mr. Chambers reminds us, this is more than a numbers game—it means healthy children living past their 5th birthdays and growing into talented young people who will drive innovation and burgeoning economies. “The end of malaria is within our grasp,” he said. “Now it is our collective obligation to meet the call:” To end the malaria pandemic and eradicate the disease for good.
