Unite against infectious diseases this World Malaria Day
Goodbye Malaria has called for the collaboration between the private and sectors in the fight malaria.
The African-run Goodbye Malaria initiative has sent out a call of collaboration to the public and private sectors this World Malaria Day on 25 April.
This year’s theme, ‘Zero Malaria Starts with Me’, marks the success in the fight against malaria while emphasising the power and responsibility that we all have to prevent further infection.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, Goodbye Malaria would like to remind the world of the critical role that healthcare systems play in the fight infectious against diseases.
According to co-founder and CEO Sherwin Charles, this year will highlight the importance of maintaining a strong healthcare system especially in distressed African countries which account for an estimated 70 per cent of the global malaria burden.
“It is imperative that we continue strengthening resilient health and surveillance systems to help us respond to emerging diseases while also protecting and advancing hard-fought progress against malaria, a long-standing deadly and dangerous foe,” Charles said.
He added that in order to reduce the global malaria burden the private and public sectors must take a united stance in this fight.
“[They must] work collaboratively, engaging and enabling communities and members of society to take actions that will protect their families, ensuring the fight against malaria and other emerging health threats are equitable and most importantly people centered,” added Charles.
According to the organisation malaria regrettably remains a disease of poverty and inequality with the most vulnerable members of society at great risk of infection.
“We know that eradicating malaria was never going to be easy, it is going to take belief and endurance, backbone and sweat. It takes overcoming every challenge with conviction and grit.”
“These same principles apply to dealing with a pandemic but we’re in it together so we are stronger” he concludes.
Goodbye Malaria initiatives are mainly focused in Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini.
To learn more about Goodbye Malaria and the impactful work they do visit: www.goodbyemalaria.com
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