Minister’s Message: World Malaria Day

Today, as we mark World Malaria Day, we are reminded of the work ahead to eradicate Malaria worldwide. This disease is transmitted through mosquitoes, and kills more than one million people each year. Victims of malaria tend to be infants, children and pregnant women most commonly living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research has shown that the use of insecticide treated mosquito nets can cut malaria-related infections by half.

Canada has supported the Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF and World Vision Canada in distributing more than 7.9 million bednets throughout Africa. It is conservatively estimated that they have saved over 121,000 lives. In addition, this government works with organizations like Save the Children and the Malaria Consortium, to increase access at the community level, to treatment for malaria and pneumonia. This investment will save more than 135,000 lives by providing more local access to community based treatment of these diseases.

Canada also supports malaria prevention and treatment efforts through the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM). In Budget 2008, Canada pledged an additional $450 million over three years to the GFATM bringing Canada's total commitment to $978.4 million. Approximately one-quarter of these funds go to preventing and treating malaria.

By combining distribution of bednets with other health interventions in developing countries, Canada has pursued an innovative approach that is effective and will make a real difference in eradicating malaria.