The Roll Back Malaria Partnership brings together the strength, experience and commitment of hundreds of partner organisations to mobilise coordinated action against malaria worldwide. Comprised of malaria-endemic countries, their bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, non-governmental and community-based organisations, research and academic institutions and foundations, the Partnership exemplifies the cross-sectoral collaboration that is needed to end malaria. Its structures guide and facilitate every step on the road to effective global malaria control.
There are countless ways to support the fight against malaria. Here are a few suggestions:
Malaria has been a heavy economic burden on Africa for centuries, costing the economy $12 billion per year in direct losses and much more than that in lost economic growth.
If half of this amount - about $6 billion - is invested in control measures each year, malaria will disappear as a major public heath problem.
Providing access to prevention and treatment to every person at risk will cost between $5 and $6 billion per year over the next 12 years, which is more than 4 times the annual funding that was available for malaria in 2007. Join governments, international agencies, foundations and individuals in sustaining the flow of funding to malaria control programmes.
Most of the funding for malaria comes from international donors. National spending on the implementation of malaria control programmes remains low in many high-burden countries.
In 2003, African leaders affirmed in the Maputo Declaration their commitment to increase financial support for the health sector to 15% of total government expenditure. Today 90% of African countries remain below the 15% threshold.
Malaria prevention and treatment saves more lives per dollar spent and has greater impact on health in Sub-Saharan Africa than any other health intervention with the exception only of childhood immunization. Lobby endemic governments to increase their commitment to and spending on malaria.
Malaria presents a serious threat to business and industry in high-burden countries. Illness of staff or staff dependents entails extra medical costs and a significant loss of productivity for companies.
Studies conducted by two companies in Zambia - Mopani Copper Mines and Zambia Sugar PLC - suggest that by including malaria activities in their strategies and internal policies, businesses can realise sizeable savings.
Small acts can make a big difference. Write a letter to a politician, organise a fundraising event, join a social network, donate a bednet impregnated with insecticide or fund the purchase and delivery of other key malaria interventions.
Indicative costs of key malaria interventions
(prices may vary from country to country)
USD
Mosquito net
Purchase and delivery of an insecticide-treated mosquito net (LLIN), long lasting protection (for use by two people).
6.40
Indoor spraying
Indoor residual spraying (IRS) for one house, effective 3-6 months. Labor costs are included.
7.50
Malaria diagnostic test
One rapid diagnostic test (RDT), single use.
0.99
Antimalarial medicine: adult
Purchase and delivery of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), treatment for one adult.
1.99
Antimalarial medicine: child
Purchase and delivery of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), treatment for one child.
