Africa Malaria Day - Malaria Awareness Day

Main Category: Tropical Diseases
Article Date: 28 Apr 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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President Bush designated April 25, 2007, Malaria Awareness Day to highlight the U.S. commitment to global health and the fight against malaria.

The President and First Lady Laura Bush spoke on Malaria Awareness Day in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., alongside observances elsewhere in the world for Africa Malaria Day.

"Americans are a compassionate people who care deeply about the plight of others and the future of our world," President Bush said in a proclamation. "By standing with the people of Africa in the fight against malaria, we can help lift a burden of unnecessary suffering, provide hope and health, and forge lasting friendships."

As Americans, we stand in solidarity with people and communities across the globe in the fight against this disease and the great hope for a better future for African children and families.

Origin of Africa Malaria Day: On April 25th, 2000, African leaders from 44 malaria-endemic countries participated in the first-ever African Summit on Malaria in Abuja, Nigeria. At the Summit, the leaders signed the Abuja Declaration committing governments to an intensive effort to halve the burden of malaria in Africa by 2010. They also declared that April 25th of each year would be commemorated as Africa Malaria Day (AMD).

www.fightingmalaria.gov

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