Message of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, on the Occasion of World Malaria Day

25 Apr 2012

Message of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, on the Occasion of World Malaria Day

Today, 25 April 2012, we celebrate World Malaria Day under the theme "Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria". The theme draws attention to the progress made and urgent need for adequate investment to defeat malaria. The 2011 WHO World Malaria Report indicates that the African Region accounts for 81% of the malaria cases that occurred worldwide. Over 90% of the deaths due to the disease occur in the Region and 86% of these deaths are among children below five years of age. Pregnant women, people living with HIV and AIDS and victims of disasters are also particularly vulnerable to malaria.