June 24th, 2010
Ending Malaria is Key to Maternal and Child Health Success in Africa
G8 Leaders Challenged to Tackle Maternal & Child Health Issues at Summit
(TORONTO, CANADA) - As the leaders of the world's eight largest economies prepare to meet outside Toronto, Canada this month, their conversation will address global maternal and child health, re-enforcing the importance of conquering disease, like malaria, especially in Africa.
Simple cost effective solutions exist and can ensure that mothers can give birth safely and children can live healthy lives. The global mortality rate for children under five has been cut in half over the last 50 years. By expanding access to four health interventions - routine vaccination coverage, bednets and anti-malarial drugs, care for newborns, and treatment for pneumococcal disease and rotavirus - under-five mortality can be cut in half again by 2025.
"The interconnection between diseases such as malaria and maternal and child health is clear. We know that children's health will improve by fighting malaria and that gains that have been made against this disease cannot be sustained without significant improvements in maternal and child health. We have results, we have momentum and now we need commitment from all G8 leaders to invest in life saving interventions for mothers and their children," said Belinda Stronach, Chair, of Malaria No More Canada.
Tackling malaria is a cost-effective means saving lives and improving health systems in Africa. In order to end the suffering and dying that takes place from malaria, the international community must work towards increased access to quality care; trained health workers; and improved infrastructure. The funding commitment of G8 leaders is essential to achieving these goals. The G8 represents the largest source of funding for continent of Africa and is home to many of the key science and research companies developing the vital medicines and future vaccine required to tackle the disease.
"At the meetings in Canada this week, G8 countries have the opportunity to improve the health of women and children everywhere by tackling diseases-including malaria-that disproportionately affect that population," said Peter Chernin, co-founder and chairman of Malaria No More. "This leadership will set an example for Global Fund replenishment in October and will show the world that international governments are committed to real and lasting humanitarian victories for families across the globe."
The G8 leaders will be meeting in Canada June 25 through 27 providing an opportune discussion of malaria and maternal and child health improvements.
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Malaria No More is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, making high-yield investments of time and capital to speed progress, unlock resources, mobilize new assets and spur the world toward reaching the goal of an end to malaria deaths in Africa. Malaria No More has offices in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Contact Information:
Malaria No More - Canada
Tiffani Steer
+1 (416) 531-1919 tiffani.steer@tbsf.ca
Malaria No More - United Kingdom
Roz Hunt, Media & Communications Manager.
T: +44 (0) 207 8013846 roz.hunt@malarianomore.org.uk
Malaria No More Policy Center
Jeremy Steffens, Director of Communications
(202) 626-6236 jeremy.steffens@malarianomore.org