What we want

Globally, we are in a better position than ever before to tackle malaria. We have improved tools, knowledge and are more aware than ever about what is needed. What we need is political will and action, as well as resources to implement new malaria programmes and strengthen existing ones.  

 
We campaign for rigorous and resolute action against malaria as part of global efforts to reduce poverty and achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are at the heart of the global development agenda and include both specific and related goals for tackling malaria. The European Alliance Against Malaria is working specifically in line with MDG 6.

• There is a need to increase funding and to strengthen malaria programmes. At least US$ 30 million a year is needed for drug Research and Development (R&D). R&D is expensive and time consuming but there remains a pressing need to increase the capacity to find effective and inexpensive antimalarial drugs to keep one step ahead of drug resistance. There is also a need to develop safe insecticide technology and malaria diagnostics.
• There is also no current malaria vaccine approved for human use. Resources are needed for further research.
• Additional funding is needed for currently available antimalarial drugs which malaria is not resistant to. For example, in endemic counties in Africa increased funding is needed for Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs). As the global demand for ACTs (130 – 220 million adult treatments in 2005) continues to rise, approximately US$1 billion per year is required to provide for just 60% of the people in need.
• In many health clinic or hospitals treating malaria in endemic countries there are often inadequate stocks of antimalarial drugs or a lack of trained health workers to supervise diagnosis and treatment. Many national health systems remain weak, unresponsive, inequitable or even unsafe. Strengthening health systems with suitable financing are fundamental to effectively treating malaria.
• Increasingly there is a vital need for funding for operational and implementation research. This would help to identify and record successful programmes, tools and models of delivery for malaria control and ensure that the most vulnerable groups have access to the prevention methods and treatment they need.

Photo Courtesy of Oxfam International