WHAT:Africa Malaria Day
WHEN: Wednesday 25 April 2007
WHERE: The Day will be observed in all endemic African countries and by the malaria control community world wide. The ‘regional’ event for observing the Day this year will be held at the Munyaga Health Centre in Rwamagana District, located in the eastern province of Rwanda.
The highlights of the regional event will be the launch of the Primo ACT package for Home Management of Malaria, and the provision of Long Lasting Nets for free distribution during routine measles vaccination exercises. A week-long malaria, sensitization and community mobilization campaign in health sites covering estimated 360 villages around 36 health centers in the country began on 19 April and will culminate in the celebration of Africa Malaria Day on the 25 April. The Minister of State in charge of HIV/AIDS and other epidemics. Dr Innocent Nyaruhirira, will be the guest speaker

WHY: A preventable and curable disease, between 350 and 500 million clinical episodes of malaria are recorded worldwide annually. More than one million people die from the disease each year and it is estimated that 90% of these deaths are in Africa where the disease kills one child every 30 seconds. Economic loss to Africa due to malaria is estimated at US$12 billion per year. The Day aims at creating awareness of the malaria burden in Africa, taking stock of progress made towards it’s and highlighting opportunities to reduce malaria at all levels.

For more information, journalists can contact:

In Brazzaville: Samuel Ajibola; tel: +47 241 39378

In Harare: Robert Agyarko + 47 241 38108

In Rwanda: Jean-Bosco Gasherekuba; tel: +250 510664 ou 510665 ou 510666

In Geneva: Hervé Verhoosel +41 22 79 15 518