On 25th April, the African Union (AU) commemorated World Malaria Day. Statistics collected by the AU for the year 2010, show some advances in controlling malaria in Africa. At the same time, the AU acknowledges the urgency in meeting critical milestones in order to eliminate and eventually eradicate the disease on the continent.
The year 2010 is the end of the Roll Back Malaria decade and it coincides with the 5 year review of the Abuja Call. The preliminary results of the review of the Abuja call show that there is increasing coverage of initiatives against malaria and which is leading to substantial reductions in the malaria burden in a number of countries in Africa.
The AU statistics show that in an effort to increase access to malaria services and attain MDGs by 2015, 74% of African nations have waived taxes on anti-malarial drugs, 64% have removed taxes or introduced waivers on Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) while about half have waived taxes and tariffs on nets, netting materials and insecticides.
Significant strides have been made toward malaria control and the elimination of the disease from many regions, continental eradication is a long-term goal that will require a sustained commitment. Ten African countries namely: Eritrea, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Zambia, Botswana, Cape Verde, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zanzibar in Tanzania have documented at least a 50 per cent reduction in malaria cases in 2008, compared to the status of 2000.
In prevention of malaria, an increased focus on distribution of ITNs, Indoor Residue Spraying (IRS), and Intermittent Presumptive Treatment (IPT) programs has produced impressive results: ten countries in Africa documented reductions in malaria cases of more than 50% in 2008 compared to 2000.
The AU says, that in efforts of Counting Malaria Out in Africa, national and local governments, parliaments, health and development partners, the private sector and NGO/CBO/CSOs, need to engage in resources mobilization for malaria control and elimination.
However, in spite of the progress made in malaria prevention and control in Africa, the AU notes that Member States still face several challenges. These include issues of delivery of key interventions such as ACTs (Artemisinin Combination Therapy), intermittent presumptive therapy for pregnant women, and enhanced capacity for Indoor Residual Spraying.
Source: African Union Commission (AUC)
