The World Health Organization’s 2009 World Malaria Report shows promising progress in the global effort to end malaria deaths. Between 2006 and 2008, 140 million mosquito nets were distributed across Africa and the results are beginning to show the impact.

By continuing to build momentum and focus energy on ridding Africa of malaria, we can reach our goal of providing universal access to malaria control interventions by December 31, 2010 and ending malaria deaths by 2015.

Some noteworthy facts:

• Malaria Death Reductions: More than 9 malaria-endemic African countries have documented reductions in malaria cases of more than 50% in 2008 compared to 2000.
• Net Ownership: 31% of African households now own at least one insecticide-treated mosquito net, up from only 17% in 2006.
• Increased Funding: International funding commitments for malaria control have increased from $730 million in 2006 to $1.7 billion in 2009, largely thanks to the Global Fund, the US President’s Malaria Initiative, the World Bank and others.
• Universal Coverage: In 2008, 23 African countries adopted the goal of providing mosquito nets for all people at risk of malaria.
• A Promising Trend: After aggressive malaria control efforts, childhood deaths from all causes declined in Zambia, Sao Tome and Principe and Zanzibar.

Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Malaria, Ray Chambers, commended the findings of the report today, saying:

“Thanks to unprecedented levels of funding and extraordinary collaboration among partners, the malaria community has achieved remarkable progress. As we mark the 12-month countdown to the Secretary-General’s December-2010 deadline for universal access to malaria-control interventions, this report confirms that we are on the path to defeating this disease.”

Read the Special Envoy’s full statement here.

The results are encouraging—but there is still a lot of work to do. Malaria No More thanks every one of our supporters for helping us provide mosquito nets so that African families can protect themselves and their children from the deadly bite of a malarial mosquito. But we’re not done yet. Together with individuals across the US, Africa and the world, we must continue to fight the disease to make malaria no more for once and for all.

Read the WHO 2009 World Malaria Report here.

Help us cover Africa in mosquito nets! Through December 31, 2009, any donation to Malaria No More will be matched. Make your gift today!

Categories:Africa, Data/Reports, News, Partners, United Nations