By 2015, anti-malaria groups are hoping to have malaria cases drop to pretty much nothing. They are providing bug nets, treatment, and indoor spraying to endemic affected areas. The United Nations' World Health Organization (WHO) has been reviewing the progress being made by the UN’s Ray Chambers who works under Secretary-General Ban. He visited Uganda and Tanzania and has stated that about fifty-two percent of the endemic population now has bed nets. This protects around 360 million people. Mr. Ban has a deadline of December 31, 2010 for getting treatment, nets, and spray to all of these areas. He seems content that this deadline is still very possible. They are also looking at the prospect of new vaccines. New York is launching a group called African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) to get the global community involved in the efforts for malaria-control throughout Africa.
I was very surprised to read about this as I was under the impression that malaria was still a growing problem in Africa and many other countries. I had absolutely no clue that these goals were set forth and actually being implemented in an effective way. The WHO, Ray Chambers, and Secretary-General Ban getting so involved in solving what has been a huge problem and cause of death in many countries, is refreshing. It is also encouraging to know that there are people forming organizations like the one in New York to bring attention to problems we can and do very easily turn a blind eye to. I am interested to see if the admirable efforts of these organizations will meet Mr. Ban’s ultimate deadline of 2015.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200908280250.html
1 comment:
I had no idea that there were goals and plans to carry out to help Africa with malaria. I am glad though the UN is stepping up and actually making sure to implement realistic goals
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