AFRICA MALARIA DAY 2002

On the 25th of April 2000 an unprecedented number Heads of State or senior representatives from 44 malaria-afflicted countries in Africa came together in Abuja, Nigeria to attend the first-ever Summit on Malaria. At the summit the African leaders signed the historic Abuja Declaration committing themselves to an intensive effort to halve the burden of malaria by 2010 and setting interim targets for the year 2005. They resolved to initiate appropriate and sustainable action to strengthen the health systems to ensure that by the year 2005:

• At least 60% of those suffering from malaria have prompt access to and are able to use correct, affordable and appropriate treatment within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.
  
  
• At least 60% of those at risk of malaria, particularly pregnant women and children under five years of age, benefit from the most suitable combination of personal and community protective measures such as insecticide treated mosquito nets and other interventions which are accessible and affordable to prevent infection and suffering.
  
  
• At least 60% of all pregnant women who are at risk of malaria especially those in their first pregnancies have access to chemoprophylaxis or presumptive intermittent treatment.

It was also decided to commemorate the summit by declaring April 25 each year Africa Malaria Day. The first Africa Malaria Day took place in 2001 where the theme of the day was insecticide-treated nets. This year Africa Malaria Day will focus on the community and how they can help themselves roll back malaria.