MARKING AFRICA MALARIA DAY – 25 APRIL 2001

As part of their ongoing fight against malaria, African leaders have declared April 25 2001 Africa Malaria Day. Throughout the continent, countries are planning major events to raise awareness of malaria prevention and treatment. Roll Back Malaria, through the country offices of its member United Nations agencies, is also launching a spate of activities during the weeks leading up to the day. The overall message: communities play a central role in tackling malaria.

Some of the events organized include :

MOZAMBIQUE

  • Newspaper "cut out and keep" guides to malaria will be produced, particularly focusing on common misconceptions and misunderstandings and highlighting actions that can be taken by individuals and community groups.
  • There will be radio broadcasts – national and local, to stress the importance of malaria, to increase awareness of signs and symptoms and encourage prompt treatment-seeking.
  • Quotes will be used from Lurdes Mutola and other Mozambican public personalities concerning personal protection measures and the importance of prompt treatment.
  • There will be TV broadcasts concentrating on health messages, TV-panel discussions and the release of malaria fact sheets to all media organizations. In addition, T-shirts, hats and banners will be produced.
  • Festivals will take place in major towns including song, dance, competitions, mosquito net displays.
  • A speech will be held by His Excellency President Chissano, the Minister of Health and the WHO Representative in Maputo.

TOGO

  • Public demonstrations on the use and re-treatment of bed-nets have been organized.
  • There will be articles published in newspapers, radio-interviews, ads and programmes on TV as well as theatre plays.
  • Football matches have been planned in 35 health districts.
  • A public cleaning-up operation has been organized.
  • Educational skits will be performed in several villages and city neighbourhoods.

NIGERIA

  • Radio jingles will be played starting in the second week in March with a clear message on malaria control and prevention, e.g. "Fight Malaria, the African scourge" or "Fight malaria for economic and social development".
  • Rallies will be held in states and communities and will be launched by high profile politicians.
  • The highlights of the rallies will include promotion of malaria control through the RBM principles in partnership with all stakeholders, malaria causation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention including use of insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and environmental management and sanitation.
  • School debates have been organized on malaria control.
  • RBM T-shirts, caps and IEC materials will be distributed
  • The Director for Public Health has been mandated to ensure that tax and tariffs on insecticide are waived or reduced before Africa Malaria Day

MALAWI

  • A 2 Kilometre walk by multi-disciplinary teams including teachers, pupils and community members will take place. Team members will carry placards and banners with malaria information.
  • There will be demonstrations on the use of ITNs by communities that are already using them to novice groups.
  • Promotion and publicity materials such as T-shirts, leaflets, posters, and street banners will be handed out.
  • Local campaigns in schools and communities about RBM and the use of ITNs will be conducted as on-going activities. These will incorporate quizzes and village competitions.
  • Press conference to be chaired by the Minister of Health.
  • Press Releases and other promotion materials will be issued both in the electronic and print media.
  • On the actual day, there will be speeches by the Minister of Health and other dignitaries, traditional dances, poem recitals, drama performances and sporting events e.g. football, netball and athletics involving renowned sports people.

CAMEROON

  • Round-table conferences on malaria in various regions - discussions will be broadcast locally and regionally.
  • Educational debates in health centres, nursing schools and primary and secondary schools.
  • School competitions will be held on topics related to malaria such as diagnosis, treatment and prevention. These competitions will be held within and/or between schools.
  • Roll Back Malaria clubs will be established in schools.
  • Sports events will also take place during the week leading up to 25 April.
  • Students will perform skits and songs on the burden of malaria and on action for malaria control.

CHAD

  • Messages on different aspects of malaria will be broadcast on radio and television
  • Posters, banners and T-shirts will be handed out to raise awareness
  • Articles will be published on early diagnosis, prompt and effective treatment and the importance of chemoprophylaxis
  • Public debates and conferences will be held to widen the discussions on malaria