February 2010

Tanzania Announces New National Malaria Campaign

It is predicted that in 2010 Tanzania will become one of the first African countries to achieve universal access to mosquito nets and affordable treatment for all of its citizens" against malaria.  Tanzania recently came public with a new anti-malaria campaign called "Malaria Haikubaliki." The program is unique because it recruits its advocates from all sectors of society including business, sport, entertainment and religion. The program is strongly supported by Tanzania's President, President Jakaya Kikwete, who also happens to be the director of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA). ALMA is a unifying agency meant to bring African leaders together to raise global awareness and support for the fight against malaria. 

Learn more about the campaign...

Although most deaths from malaria are in young children from the malaria strain called Plasmodium falciparum, pregnant women are still extremely vulnerable to malaria from both P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, the more common malaria strain. In Africa both strains cause 200,000 deaths in babies during pregnancy and about 10,000 deaths in pregnant women. 

Learn more about malaria funding...

Congratulations Ambassador Brinker on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. The award is given by the President and recognizes individuals who make "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." President Obama awarded Ambassador Brinker the medal on August 12, 2009.  Today, the House of Representatives have passed H. Res. 708 to congratulate her on receiving the award.

Learn more about Ambassador Brinker...

The debate continues on the effects climate change is, or is not, having on malaria endemic regions. The UK Department for International Development has released a report suggesting that more people in Kenya are dealing with malaria due to increased temperatures. The Guardian newspaper sees the report however as a bit of exaggeration. Regardless if climate change is having an effect, malaria needs to be confronted where we find it and mobilization must continue in endemic regions of Africa to end this horrible disease.