Africa Malaria Day: 25th April 2003

The Abuja Declaration on Roll Back Malaria in Africa by the Heads of States in April 2000 called for an Annual Africa Malaria Day (AMD). Since then Africa and the Global partners have renewed efforts to mobilize resources to scale up malaria control in Africa. 

This year’s Africa Malaria Day on April 25th, will be celebrated through the theme and slogan - Insecticides treated nets and effective treatment for pregnant women and young children by 2005 (Slogan- Roll Back Malaria, Protect Pregnant Women and Young Children.

This year’s Africa Malaria Day is designed to bring the continent closer to the attainment of the 2005 Abuja targets and calls for action that targets the two highly vulnerable groups, pregnant women and children. Africa Malaria Day 2003, which marks the 3rd anniversary of the Abuja Targets, will highlight the need to promote the demand for insecticide treated nets for pregnant women and children: advocate for increased resources, community leadership, and action for malaria prevention and control and foster government ‘s and private sector partnerships. The Abuja Declaration resolved to initiate appropriate and sustainable action to strengthen health systems to ensure that by the year 2010:

At least 60% of those suffering from malaria have prompt access to and are able to use correct, affordable and appropriate treatment within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. 

At least 60% of those at risk of malaria, particularly pregnant women and children under-five years of age benefit from the most suitable combination of personal and community protective measures such as insecticide treated mosquito nets and other interventions which are accessible and affordable to prevent infection and suffering.

At least 60% of all pregnant women who are at risk of malaria especially those in their first pregnancies have access to preventive and presumptive intermittent treatment.

Broad aims for the Africa Malaria Day (2003)

	Reminding governments of the Abuja targets commitments and obligations.
	Lobbying for government and other partners for provision of affordable ITNs for pregnant Women and young children.
	Fostering government’s, community, private sector partnership for the prevention and treatment of malaria in pregnant women and children.

Objectives of Africa Malaria Day (2003)

	To promote the demand and use of insecticides treated nets (ITNs) for pregnant women and children.
	To increase the availability of nets and insecticides and treatment services for pregnant women and children.

Elements of Africa Malaria Day (2003)

	Building partnership with the communities, CBOs, NGOs, governments, private sector companies, bilateral, multilateral agencies and research institutions and reminding them of the progress and achievements so far on the Abuja targets.
	Reminding governments of the Abuja targets commitments and at the same time advocate for policies and strategies that promote the early recognition of he signs and symptoms of malaria in pregnant women and children close to, or at home.
	Launching of the Africa Malaria Day Information, Education and Communication Campaign using different media channels to promote the demand and use of ITNs and effective treatment for pregnant women and children. Educate, individuals, families and on how they can take preventive measures against malaria. Encourage the use of insecticides treated nets for vulnerable groups.
	Preparing and distributing timely information and promotional materials like press releases, feature articles, educational materials, posters and T-shirts, TV spots and documentaries based on the slogan and theme for Africa malaria Day. Ensure that AMD activities are sustained through out the year to raise high national and community level profile on the commemoration of AMD.

Remember:

	Pregnant women and young children have a right to protection against  Malaria- Use insecticides treated nets to prevent mosquitoes from biting them.
	Seeking treatment early will prevent people from developing serious complications of malaria.

The press and media (TV- Radio- Print) has an important role in mobilizing support in informing the public about the preventive and protective measures on malaria. 

The role of the press and media in mobilizing support for Rolling Back Malaria 

	The media should provide malaria information on the use of insecticides nets and effective treatment for pregnant women and children.
	Work with National Malaria Control Programmes and other RBM partner’s in- country to promote the use of insecticides nets for pregnant women and young children and mobilize resources.
	Mobilise communities to advocate for support in malaria prevention and control malaria. § Write malaria feature stories for use by the general public and school children.
	Work with celebrities in country in bringing malaria high on the agenda of national health issues.
	Mobilise local leaders, the businessmen and community groups to facilitate the accessibility of insecticides treated nets in the communities.
	Arranging radio and television phone in sessions on malaria for schoolchildren and other community groups.
	Promote knowledge and awareness of information on insecticide nets and effective treatment for pregnant women for decision making with representatives of the government sectors
	Work with RBM partners and community groups to promote the use of ITNs for pregnant women and young children.
	Work with artists, musicians and celebrities in the dissemination of mixed information messages with entertainment for large crowds of people.

Remember:

	Pregnant women and young children have a right to protection against Malaria.q Use insecticides treated nets to prevent mosquitoes from biting people.
	Seeking treatment early will prevent complications of malaria.

Government, community and private sector partnerships will go a long way in preventing and controlling malaria. We need to ensure that the Africa Malaria Day campaign is celebrated and sustained throughout the year.

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