Events: 2013
New report analyses progress in rolling back malaria in Madagascar
6 June 2013, Antananarivo, MADAGASCAR : - The national Madagascan Roll Back Malaria Partnership has launched a new report that highlights the efforts made in the fight against malaria on this island state. The deployment of anti-malaria interventions in recent years has led to a significant increase in coverage of malaria prevention and treatment tools. At the national level 80% of households now own at least one mosquito net, which is an increase of 43% in three years. In the 91 districts covered by mass distribution campaigns (of the 111 in total), this percentage rises to 94%. Today, malaria is no longer the first cause of morbidity and mortality in Madagascar which is reflected in the improvement of national health indicators.
More info
Download the report [in English] [in French]
Read the report online [in English] [in French]
RBM at TICAD V: "Malaria is a development issue"
3 June, Yokohama, JAPAN: -
At a side event, cohosted by RBM, the Global Fund and other partners during the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), RBM Executive Director Dr Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré and the Global Fund's Dr Mark Dybul highlighted the role of malaria control in Africa’s social and economic development.
The United Nations Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon, who delivered a keynote speech at the event, acknowledged the progress made to date and encouraged continued commitment to malaria. "Roll Back Malaria has proven the power of partnerships to produce sustainable results" Ban Ki-moon said. "The Global Fund has demonstrated that strong and predictable support can ensure progress. […] Malaria must remain high on the global agenda in this final push to reach the Millennium Development Goals and as we look ahead to a post-2015 framework."
View List of speakers
View Special guests
Yvonne Chaka Chaka's blog about TICAD V in the Huffington Post
RBM extends collaboration with the Confederation of African Football on malaria
29 May 2013 Mauritius: - At a FIFA Congress, held in Mauritius today, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) renewed its long-term commitment to the fight against malaria by signing an agreement, which designated the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership’s United Against Malaria (UAM) campaign as one of the social causes for future football tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Read RBM press release
More info on UAM web site
Roll Back Malaria Board Chair appoints Rt Hon Stephen O'Brien MP UK as Global Advocate for Malaria
17 May 2013 Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - Roll Back Malaria Board Chair, Hon Victor Makwenge today designated the Rt. Hon. Stephen O’Brien, Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, as Global Advocate for the RBM Partnership. In this new role Rt. Hon. Stephen O’Brien MP will work with parliamentarians and other elected officials in malaria endemic countries to help reinforce political commitment to accelerating the fight against malaria in the countdown to the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Read RBM press release [in English], [in French]
View RBM Flickr photogallery
RBM Board to discuss accelerating anti-malaria fight to meet the MDGs
15 May 2013 Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - Representatives of all eight constituencies of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership have gathered in Geneva today for the 24th meeting of the Partnership’s Board. Determined to make a tangible difference in the 900 days that remain to the MDGs and 2015 malaria targets, the Board will discuss strategic choices for boosting scale-up efforts in countries and ensuring that malaria control programmes remain appropriately funded and effective post 2015.
View Meeting Agenda
More info on RBM Board
View RBM Flickr photogallery
RBM commits to improving management of malaria in pregnancy
13 May 2013 Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - At the two-day annual meeting of the RBM Malaria in Pregnancy Working Group, RBM Partners will plan for an expanded coverage with interventions that specifically target malaria in pregnancy (MiP). Despite clear gains in malaria control, use of MiP interventions, such as preventive treatment (IPTP-SP) and pregnant women sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) remains low. RBM partners participating in this meeting will focus on optimizing the delivery of key MiP intervention through the dissemination of technical guidance, fostering partnership between reproductive health and malaria control at country level and engaging key global and country partners in efforts to increase nation-wide coverage.
View Meeting Agenda
More info on MiPWG
View RBM Flickr photogallery
Business leaders gather in Cape Town to promote the role of the private sector in fighting malaria in Africa
8 May 2013, Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA: - The Roll Back Malaria Partnership, together with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Friends Africa (and in cooperation with ONE) co-hosted a reception and corporate executive dinner in the margins of the World Economic Forum Africa in Cape Town to highlight the role of the private sector in advancing progress against malaria control in Africa. “We must ensure that private sector is on board as a sustainable partner in leading the innovation and funding necessary to fight combat malaria in Africa’’ said Dr. Brian Brink, Chief Medical Officer of Anglo American and Private Sector Delegation Lead on the board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Amongst many others, guests included business leaders from Standard Chartered Bank, Coca-Cola, Ashanti Gold, Boston Consulting Group, Access Bank PLC and Nandos.
For more info read The business of malaria by H Verhoosel
Visit RBM External Relations Flickr photo gallery RBM/ Friends Africa/ Global Fund Dinner
Malawi malaria report makes the case for investing in public health infrastructure
02 May 2013, Lilongwe, MALAWI: - A new report shows that recent investments in malaria control efforts in Malawi have helped reduce significantly malaria deaths and cases among children under five years of age. Launched by RBM partners, under the auspices of Malawi’s vice-president, H.E. Mr. Khumbo Kachali, the report reveals that malaria parasite prevalence dropped from 62% in 2001 to 20% in 2009. Between 2000 and 2010 under-five mortality decreased by 41%, from 188 to 112 deaths per 1000 live births.
Successes in the malaria fight have been attributed, in part, to the existence of a public network of antenatal care clinics, where preventive treatment for pregnant woment (IPTp) became part of antenatal care services (FANC). Another contributing factor was Malawi’s sound capacity to conduct operational research.
Malawi was the first country in Africa to start treating pregnant women with SP in 1993, nearly a decade ahead of the initial WHO recommendation, issued by in 2002. More than 10,000 health surveillance assistants (HSAs) have been trained to date to provide integrated community case management. These health workers live in the communities they serve and provide a broad range of health services including immunization, growth monitoring, disease control and investigation and water and sanitation, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
Today’s report is the sixth country report in the RBM Progress and Impact series, dedicated to tracking progress in the global malaria fight. In addition to quantifying the successes in Malawi’s malaria control efforts, the report provides an analysis of how they were achieved and documents and shares good practice.
More info
Flipbooks available on line: [in English], [in French]
Download the report [in English] [in French]
RBM applauds Australia’s leadership in the Asia-Pacific Malaria Alliance (APLMA)
29 April 2013 Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - The Roll Back Malaria Partnership congratulates the Australian government for the commitment it has shown to fighting malaria in Asia. RBM welcomes the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard as co-chair of the newly formed Asia-Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) and looks forward to contributing to its success.
Last year Australia sponsored a declaration about malaria at the East Asia Summit and leaders committed to a strengthened regional response to the urgent challenge of drug-resistant malaria. The decision to take a leadership role in the Alliance helps deliver on the declaration and the commitments made at Australia's Malaria 2012 conference.
Read AusAID press release
HRH Princess Astrid Commemorates World Malaria Day in Cambodia
25 April 2013 Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA: - In her capacity as Special Representative of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM), HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium is commemorating World Malaria Day in Cambodia, at the invitation of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). On 25 April, the Princess participated in World Malaria Day celebrations with more than 2,000 community members and partners including H.E. Dr Mam Bun Heng, Minister of Health of Cambodia, and Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western-Pacific and Asia, in Beng Village (Kg Speu Province). Later in the afternoon, the Princess also participated in the launching of WHO's "Emergency Response to Artemisinin Resistance in the Greater Mekong sub-Region" in Phnom Penh.
View RBM External Relations Flickr Photo Gallery Cambodia, April 2013
RBM Partnership calls for smart investments in malaria
control to meet 2015 targets
Filling the US$3.6 billion gap for Africa alone needs strategic investments at all levels
25 April 2013 Geneva, Addis, Japan: - Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, speaking on behalf of hundreds of
organizations in the global health partnership fighting malaria, called on donors to fully replenish the
Global Fund in 2013 and on endemic countries to increase their domestic contribution to malaria
control and use their malaria funding wisely and strategically.
The RBM Partnership’s Executive Director, Dr Nafo-Traoré highlighted the World Malaria Day Theme
“Invest in the Future: Defeat Malaria“ and urged audiences in Geneva, Addis Ababa and Tokyo to
help fill the global malaria funding gap of approximately US$2.8 billion each year and make
extraordinary efforts to meet the 2015 targets for rolling back malaria.
View World Malaria Day web
Read RBM pewss release
RBM Urges More Asian Investment in Malaria
HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium Visits Japan & Cambodia in lead-up to World Malaria Day
22 April 2013, Tokyo, JAPAN: - During a two-day visit in Tokyo, Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Astrid of Belgium, Special Representative to the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM), and Dr Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, RBM’s Executive Director urged leading government officials and members of the private sector to contribute to greater regional coordination in the Asia fight against malaria and increase investment in malaria-control efforts in the Asia-Pacific and Africa.
The Princess will also meet with members of the imperial family. This visit comes in the lead-up to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V), 1-3 June in Yokohama, where Japanese and African leaders will converge to tackle pressing African development issues.
View RBM press release
View video clip
Leaders Gather at United Nations in New York for Malaria Lunch & Panel Discussion in Commemoration of World Malaria Day
18 April 2013, New York, USA: - In the lead-up to World Malaria Day, commemorated annually around the world on 25 April, the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM) and the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Financing Health MDGs and for Malaria, Mr Ray Chambers, co-hosted a malaria lunch and panel discussion at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Attended by the diplomatic community, including Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, UN partners, members of the private sector, journalists and global health experts, this roundtable discussion addressed the critical funding needed to sustain the gains made in recent years against malaria and accelerate progress towards malaria targets and broader development agendas. Panelists included: Professor Jeffrey Sachs, UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor for MDGs and Director of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network; Mr Simon Bland, Chair of the Board, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Ms Joy Phumaphi, Executive-Secretary of ALMA; and Dr Thomas Teuscher, RBM Coordinator of Policy, Strategy & Governance and Senior Advisor for Policy. The panel was moderated by Ms Pamela Falk, UN Resident Correspondent for CBS News.
View RBM External Relations Flickr Photo Gallery: RBM & UNSEO Malaria Lunch and Panel Discussion
RBM applauds the release of updated guidance on managing severe malaria
17 April 2013, Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - The World Health Organisation has released its revised guidance on diagnosing and treating severe forms of malaria and managing complications. The new publication, Management of severe malaria: A practical handbook, addresses clinical professionals in malaria-endemic countries, physicians in non-endemic countries, as well as health personnel in hospitals and health centres with inpatient facilities.
Download new guidance
RBM partners and the diplomatic community in Geneva commemorate World Malaria Day
16 April 2013, Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - On the occasion of World Malaria Day (25 April), leaders in the global malaria fight addressed ambassadors, diplomats and international civil servants at a working lunch, organised by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM).
The event called for more political and financial support over the next 3 years to achieve the 2015 malaria targets and the health-related MDGs. RBM Executive Director, Dr Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, Dr Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, H.E. Mr Jean-Marie Ehouzou, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the UNOG and Dr Hiroki Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director General urged participants to lobby for a fully replenished Global Fund in September 2013, as such an investment would enable sustained progress and help avoid disease resurgence. The panelists highlighted ongoing partner efforts to promote better use of existing funding and increase return on investment.
View RBM Flickr Photo Gallery: RBM World Malaria Day Briefing
RBM Ambassador Yvonne Chaka Chaka calls for a fully replenished Global Fund
10 April 2013, Brussels, BELGIUM: - As the Global Fund's first replenishment meeting draws to a close, Roll Back Malaria Ambassador Yvonne Chaka Chaka, calls on international donors to accelerate the fight against the three global diseases – HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. From the digital pages of the "Big Push," Chaka Chaka also urges African leaders to "make good on promises to invest more in the health of their people."
Chaka Chaka has long used her music to fight malaria and other preventable diseases. She performed "Hearts on Fire," her malaria anthem, at the closing ceremony of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations in Johannesburg. It is now available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. 70% of the proceeds will go to the United Against Malaria Campaign (UAM), which has already contributed half a million dollars to the Global Fund.
Read "Why back the Global Fund Now" by Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Download "Hearts on Fire" for $1 on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon today.
Artist Karen Mok becomes RBM Champion in Asia
9 April 2013 SINGAPORE: -: Renowned singer and actress Karen Mok announced today that she intends to lend her celebrity voice to the global fight against malaria. During a press conference held alongside the World Health Summit Regional Meeting – Asia (WHSRMA) in Singapore, Ms. Mok was named a Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership Champion. She will help ensure that malaria remains a priority on key international development agendas, particularly in her native Asia.
Read more
World Malaria Day is less than a month away
On World Malaria Day each year, Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partner organisations unite around a common theme. Invest in the future: defeat malaria is the theme partners chose for the next three years to call attention to #thebigpush needed to reach the 2015 Millennium Development Goals and defeat malaria in the future.
For more info visit new World Malaria Day website
Show your support: Add the World Malaria Day Button to your website
Let the world see your event:
Share your plans for World Malaria Day for everyone to see on the World Malaria Day events map
UN Secretary General appoints Ray Chambers to secure financing for the health-related MDGs
01 March 2013 New York, USA: -The Roll Back Malaria Partnership applauds the UN Secretary General’s decision to appoint Ray Chambers of the United States as the Special Envoy for Malaria and for the Financing of the Health-Related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In his new capacity, Mr. Chambers will collaborate with the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes to promote and secure increased investment by the public and private sectors to achieve the health-related MDGs of child and maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases by the end of December 2015, the internationally agreed deadline for achieving the goals.
Read more
Islamic Development Bank to expand malaria elimination efforts
13 February, Jeddah, SAUDI ARABIA: - The President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al Madani, met with Dr Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré at the bank's headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this week to explore investment opportunities to eliminate malaria in selected countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the founding institution of the IDB. Dr Traoré was a guest of the IDB together with Professor Ogobara Doumbo, Director of the Malaria Research and Training Center at the University of Bamako, Mali.
Several OIC Member States have successfully embarked on malaria elimination programs in the past, including Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Likewise, some of the sub-Saharan OIC countries — where malaria risk is geographically limited and seasonal — have recently reported fewer cases. At least 14 OIC countries are today working towards malaria elimination.
Universal malaria elimination in all OIC Member States was a target set by the 'First Islamic Conference of Health Ministers' (ICHM), held in Malaysia in 2007.
"Invest in the Future: Defeat Malaria"
World Malaria Day Theme 2013 – 2015
13 February, Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - World Malaria Day (April 25) is fast approaching. Each year, Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partners unite their advocacy efforts around a common World Malaria Day theme. As RBM zeros in on achieving the malaria MDG by 2015, partners have agreed on a 3-year theme to call attention to the big push needed in countries to end malaria: “Invest in the future. Defeat malaria.”
The WMD theme provides a common platform for Partners to showcase their successes in malaria control, and unify efforts in the changing global context. As always, Partners are invited to add their own specific messages to reflect their particular area of focus.
This year Partners are also invited to support #thebigpush campaign by linking it to their World Malaria Day messaging and communications
More info
Africa Cup of Nations ceremony sends life-saving malaria messages to millions
11 February, Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA: - As the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations drew to a close on Sunday evening, United Against Malaria (UAM) - an official social cause of the tournament - kicked off the closing ceremony with a debut performance of "Hearts on Fire" by RBM Goodwill Ambassador and UAM Champion Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Ms Chaka Chaka has donated this track to UAM and it is being promoted globally as the signature song linking malaria and football. Ms Chaka Chaka was joined by dancers from the South Africa Mzansi Ballet company, as well as 150 children from local townships, and traditional dancers from Lesedi for an exciting performance that celebrated Africa's progress against malaria and encouraged viewers to protect themselves from the deadly disease. The South African football legend Mark Fish joined Ms Chaka Chaka on the stage where they shared their personal experiences and commitment to the fight against malaria.
More info from United Against Malaria
Visit RBM External Relations Flickr Photo Gallery
AMP zeros in on continued net distribution in malaria-endemic countries
31 January, Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - As funding shortages slow down the distribution of life-saving mosquito nets in a number of African countries, the Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP) is convening members of the RBM Partnership to strategize how to ensure the continued flow of nets to endemic areas. Discussions will focus around improving efficiency gains, extending net durability and planning for providing optimal international support to malaria control programmes in countries. RBM Partner institutions will identify needs in countries and coordinate roles and responsibilities.
More info on AMP site
Visit RBM Flickr Photo gallery
RBM to back better malaria vector control in endemic countries
28 January, Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - A two-day annual meeting of the Vector Control Working Group at the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM) spotlights the latest evidence on effective malaria vector control management and provides RBM partners with a platform to develop plans for supporting effectively country efforts in 2013. Topical issues for discussions include capacity building for indoor residual spraying (IRS), insecticide resistance and entomological management.
More info on RBM Vector Control Working Group
Visit RBM Flickr Photo gallery
Global leaders in Davos promote accountability & transparency in advancing progress against malaria and other global health challenges
24 January, Davos, SWITZERLAND: - The Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM) and the Center for Global Health & Diplomacy (GHD) co-hosted a reception and dinner in the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos to highlight the importance of accountability and transparency to advance global health progress. HE Mr. Jakaya Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium and RBM Special Representative, together with Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on MDGs made keynote remarks. Guests included the Honorable Ministers of Health of Senegal and Nigeria, Honorable Minister of the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom, Secretary-General of the UN International Telecommunication Union, and Executive Director of UNFPA, alongside distinguished participants from governments, businesses, NGOs, the UN and international global health community.
View RBM Flickr photo library
RBM’s Princess Astrid of Belgium and FIFA President share views on vital link between football and malaria control
24 January, Zurich, SWITZERLAND: - HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, Special Representative of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM), met with FIFA President Mr. Joseph Blatter and Secretary-General Mr. Jerome Valcke at FIFA headquarters to thank FIFA for lending its support to the fight against malaria. Together they explored opportunities for collaboration with RBM’s United Against Malaria campaign to harness the power of football to reach millions of people with lifesaving messages. “Football is much more than a game – it promotes team spirit and has the power to influence behavior and create lasting social change in all corners of the world,” said HRH Princess Astrid. “Football brings communities together… and can send a message of hope.”
FIFA interviews Princess Astrid of Belgium
Read interview in [French], [Spanish], [German], [Portuguese] and [Arabic]
Campaign gets ready to kick malaria out at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
18 January, Geneva, SWITZERLAND: - As millions get excited about this year’s 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that will kick off tomorrow, "United Against Malaria" - a powerful campaign driven by Roll Back Malaria Partners – joins forces with African football stars and heads of state to distribute life-saving malaria prevention and treatment messages throughout the tournament. As an official social cause of AFCON 2013, UAM has enlisted football icons including Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and Steven Pienaar, along with African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) heads of state including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Of Liberia, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, President Blaise Compaoré Of Burkina Faso, President Alassane Ouattara Of Cote d’Ivoire and President Yoweri Museveni Of Uganda, to lend their voices to the cause. PSAs featuring messages from these leaders and set to the African debut of RBM Goodwill Ambassador and UAM Champion Yvonne Chaka Chaka's "Hearts on Fire" single will air in 10 countries, and 75 billboards have been placed in 13 countries, ensuring millions will be reached with life-saving messages about malaria as they tune-in to see their favorite stars play in the tournament.
More info from "United Against Malaria"
Malaria monitoring and evaluation efforts gather pace
16-18 January, Harare, ZIMBABWE: - Strengthening the capacity of countries to conduct monitoring and evaluation of malaria in different transmission settings was at the heart of a two-day meeting of Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partners, participating in RBM’s Malaria Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group. National malaria programme managers from Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique and Swaziland gave updates on ongoing system strengthening efforts. Data collection tools and approaches were reviewed in view of addressing the current and future needs of malaria-endemic countries. A review of global indicators was followed by a discussion of the RBM Progress and Impact Series, launched in 2009 to keep track of the headway countries were making towards the 2015 malaria targets.
More info on RBM MERG
Artemisin conference strengthens dialogue within supply chain to maintain malaria medicines on the market
15-16 January, Nairobi, KENYA: - Aligning the global demand for ACT medicines with the supply of artemisinin will be the commanding theme of a two-day international conference, organized with Roll Back Malaria Partners UNITAID, The Global Fund and the World Health Organisation. Launched in 2005, the International Artemisinin Conference convenes yearly the full spectrum of actors involved in the process of producing and delivering medicines for malaria. This year, 140 participants from 21 countries will discuss ways to shorten the lead time between assessing needs for treatment at country level and making the needed medicines available on the market.
Since 2004, more than 300 million treatments have been delivered to malaria-endemic countries each year. In early 2012, the number of ACTs delivered to countries reached a billion, half of which were delivered over the last two years.
"Thanks to this unprecedented scale-up, thousands of lives are being saved daily in endemic countries," said Dr Fatoumata Traoré, RBM Executive Director. In her opening remarks, she conveyed RBM's commitment to working closely with the Global Fund to ensure stability in the donor-driven artemisinin market.
More info on Artemisin conference 2013