| It is a special pleasure
for me to welcome you to this press conference on behalf of my fellow heads of agencies.
That we come together here today is a true sign of how UN agencies and Bretton Wood
institutions can work closely together to address an issue which so directly affects the
lives of millions of people.
In one hour we will sit down with the Secretary General and other heads of agencies
within the setting of the ACC - the Administrative Committee on Coordination. One of the
issues on the agenda relates to "The causes of conflict and the promotion of peace
and sustainable development in Africa".
That is an issue of critical importance and we have all reflections and ideas to bring
to our discussions. Before we enter that discussion we wish to present a very concrete
contribution to that very same topic by launching together today the Roll Back Malaria
project. There is comprehensive background material available for all of you, and our
colleagues, including the newly appointed Project Manager of Roll Back Malaria, Dr. David
Nabarro, will be ready to spend further time with you answering your questions.
Why have we taken this initiative?
First, because we share the concern of the rising human suffering from malaria - on all
continents - but above all in Africa where this re-emerging disease represent more than
10% of the total disease burden.
3000 children die every day of malaria. Every year there are about 300-500 million
clinical cases of malaria, 90% of them occuring in Africa. This is above all the disease
of the poor - killing the young and the weak mostly living in rural areas in Sub Saharan
Africa.
Second, because we share the concern of the severe impediment malaria is putting on the
economic and social development of so many countries. Some studies indicate that malaria
can hold back income by as much as 12%. Where there is malaria, there is likely to be
severe strains on foreign investments.
Third, because we believe we can do something about it. We do not talk of eradication -
that was tried some decades ago - it succeeded in some continents but failed severly on
others. We are aiming at at a concerted action to significantly reduce mortality and
morbidity from this disease.
My collagues will comment on how their agencies will make their contributions. We in
the World Health Organization are calling Roll Back Malaria a pathfinder - and we do so
for three reasons:
- first - because Roll Back Malaria will help us pull in all parts of WHO - the tropical
disease expertise, the child health expertise, the environmental health expertise and the
pharmaceutical expertise.
- second because it will pave the way for this new partnership with other parts of the UN
familiy, with the private sector, the research community and NGOs - illustrating that we
can achive more when we work together.
- third - and most importantly - because Roll Back Malaria will put a particular emphasis
on the strengthening of the national health systems.
This is key. This is not another "rapid in - rapid out" operation. Our aim is
to focus on the health sector's ability to cope with malaria - at a national level
and especially at a local level. When a child gets the malaria fever, time is short - very
short. Rapid access to drugs is critical. That means that we have to focus on how the
health sector can provide these services - which are low-tech and not very expensive.
The same goes for prevention. Malaria can be better contained - much better than today.
The simple use of impregnated bednets can save scores of sleeping children from the
death-carrying mosquito. So we need to get these simple tools out there where they can do
so much good.
And finally - we need to push for the ultimate solution - a malaria vaccine. That is
not for tomorrow - but is getting within a new reach which may offer hope. Industry is
engaging in Roll Back Malaria and so is research. We need to be there to take immediate
advantage of scientific advances as they see the day.
I appreciate the swift and dedicated response by my colleagues to WHOs call for action.
Roll Back Malaria is now a co-owned project. We are all commited to taking it forward.
Roll Back Malaria will be spearheaded in Africa. African leaders have responded. At the
Birmingham Summit in May the G8 countries gave their support.
Now comes the time for careful planning and dedicated implementation. WHO is ready to
work actively on both. |
