Rolling back malaria really is possible! Between 2005 and 2007, the
authorities in Ethiopia and Rwanda succeeded in reducing the number of cases of malaria and deaths from the disease on their territory by 60%.
This victory is the result of close coordination with international sponsors.
More than 160 million dollars were raised to put a brake on this raging
epidemic. The means used were simple: a constant flow of artemisin-based
therapy and mass distribution of insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.
In less than two years, Rwanda, for example, reduced the number of infections by 64% and deaths among the under-5s by 66%.
Further north in neighbouring Ethiopia, the story is just as encouraging:
55% fewer transmissions and 60% of deaths avoided.
These successes confirm once again that malaria can be controlled. All it requires is that the necessary means are provided, because they do exist and are available.
Every year, malaria kills 1-2 million people and infects 300-500 million. 90% of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is present in over 100 countries, threatening 40% of the world’s population.
