Malaria. Maybe we know it as ‘a disease commonly found in Africa’, ‘a disease that’s caused by mosquito bites’, or perhaps even ‘a disease that Cheryl Cole had’. But the most important aspect to focus on is that it’s a disease that can be prevented. If key actors in development can work together effectively and efficiently, we can reduce the number of people dying of malaria. And we are.
An article in the Poverty Matters Blog discussed the involvement of African Leaders in the fight against malaria. The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (Alma) is a coalition of African heads of state striving towards reducing the number of deaths caused by malaria. They have recently created a scorecard for accountability and action to keep track of progress made, and their aim is to bring malaria deaths in Africa to near zero by 2015.
The scorecard – supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – is a useful way of presenting the data, and four colours are used to measure progress made. It’s clear to see where work is still needed. However, a number of targets have been achieved, and it’s important to recognise these achievements.
“As heads of state and government, we are ultimately responsible for demonstrating that aid is being used wisely, effectively and efficiently.”
It would be naive to think that a colour-coded scorecard is going to eliminate malaria in Africa, particularly when it clearly shows that there is still much more to do. However, it’s more than just a scorecard. It represents a realisation made by African leaders that they have a vital role to play. And this is definitely a step in the right direction.
 We need to remember that it’s in the interest of African leaders to eliminate malaria. This is because the disease is closely linked to poverty, both as a cause and a consequence. It creates problems at an individual, household, community and national level. If we can reduce malaria occurrences, we can create positive changes: less strain on hospital resources so that more people can be treated for other illnesses; children can go to school instead of looking after their ill parents; parents can earn an income, and money can be spent on improving nutrition and sending their children to school. This can perhaps be seen as simplified and idealistic, but it’s possible, and it’s happening now.
Malaria is the cause of over three quarters of a million deaths per year, but 11 countries have reduced deaths caused by malaria by more than 50% since 2000. This is evidence that, with government involvement and the continued support from NGOs, progress is being made.
Malaria No More UK is one such charity aiming to reduce deaths caused by malaria. How? By investing in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, including bed nets, spraying, diagnostic tests and medicines, and a vaccination.
If malaria is a preventable disease and we know how to prevent it, then why is it still such a problem? As with everything poverty-related, there are complex issues involved. It’s important to recognise these complexities; if eliminating malaria was as simple as providing bed nets we would have done it already. But the commitment from the governments is a positive step forward in the battle to end malaria. So, can we reach the target of bringing malaria deaths in Africa to near zero by 2015? Well, we can certainly try. |
.jpg)
An 
