Artists and Musicians are playing an important role in mobilising people for social action, advocacy, and lobbying for support in Rolling Back Malaria in Southern Africa. This year, the most popular musician in the region committed and dedicated himself to spearhead the 2003 Africa Malaria Day and Malaria Campaign. Oliver Mtukudzi has become a malaria champion and has developed a song “Tune in to the dangers of malaria”. A poster and a video clip for use in commemorating Africa Malaria Day was also developed . The materials developed have since been distributed to countries within the sub-region.

The commemoration of this year’s Africa Malaria Day helps to remind all stakeholders in the fight against malaria at all levels –NGOs, private sector, development partners, and others. This year’s theme and slogan drew our efforts and attention to the key interventions targeted at the two most vulnerable groups –“ Pregnant women and children”.

The Honourable Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr D Parirenyatawa together with Dr E K Njelesani, WHO Representative in Zimbabwe launched the malaria song and poster on the 30th April 2003 at the Harare International Festival of Arts. Participants to the launch event included representatives from the WHO African Region, UN agencies, Private sector, NGOs, CBOs, community members, and other musicians and artists who were present at the Harare International Arts Festival in Zimbabwe. 

Oliver Mtukudzi born and bred in Harare, Zimbabwe has constantly achieved successes in his music albums. Tuku, as he is affectionately known by his multitude of fans, is not only at the centre of Zimbabwe traditional music, Afro jazz and contemporary popular music but has become a Pan African icon. Oliver Mtukudzi is a recent “Kora award winner” in the best African Arrangement category (2002) for the Kora competition, which promotes African artists and their work internationally, and subsequently to unite Africa and the arts.

Oliver Mtukudzi the largest crowd puller on the local music scene attracted large crowds of people at the Harare International Festival of Arts in Zimbabwe where the malaria song and poster was launched. 

The messages contained, in the song and poster were:

	Malaria is a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa
	Malaria is preventable and curable
	Seek malaria treatment early if you suspect you have malaria
	Use treated mosquito nets to avoid mosquitoes bites

Malaria is a major public health problem and second leading cause of illness and death in SADC. It kills 200 000 people every year in the region. 

Remember: Malaria is preventable and curable; it is our, responsibility together to collaborate and advance malaria with all stakeholders and malaria champions. 

The World Health Organisation –in collaboration with artists and musicians are committed and dedicated to Roll Back Malaria in partnership with malaria champions.

Be a malaria Champion!! - Join Oliver Mtukudzi in the fight against malaria

Click Here For More Pictures from the launch of the Malaria Song "Tune into the Dangers of Malaria"