Significant progress

Drug "resistance is most alarming" in parts of "Africa where HIV rates are high and people are extremely vulnerable to infections" (Boseley). But, one of the infectious diseases that terrorizes this region is on the retreat, according to recent findings. "A new report from the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership confirms that current investment in malaria control is saving lives and providing far-reaching benefits for countries. But it warns that without sustained and predictable funding, the significant" progress could be reversed (Roll Back Malaria).

"Most of us by now have got the message that malaria control is working. The report says that an estimated 384,000 children's lives were saved in 12 countries, such as Ethiopia, Rwanda and Zambia, between 2000 and 2009 through distribution of mosquito nets and other preventive measures. A steady and impressive increase in funding for malaria prevention has brought this about, from $100 million to $1.5 billion over that time period" (Boseley).

Richard Cibulskis of the WHO's global malaria program, warns that "If we are not vigilant about the level of funding going to malaria, the progress we have seen will be quickly reversed". According to the Global Malaria Action Plan [plan to eradicate malaria], "$6 billion a year is needed to ensure universal coverage of malaria control measures".

The money collected for malaria relief "goes mostly to the smaller countries…where the impact is measurably greater" than it would be in a larger country. Recent efforts have reduced the number of malaria deaths, but diligent effort to prevent malaria infection and eradicate the disease is still needed by the global community.

Boseley, Sarah. "Drug resistant tuberculosis…" The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/sarah-boseley-global-health/2010/mar/18/tuberculosis-malaria-prevention. 18 March 2010.
Roll Back Malaria. "Roll back malaria report…" http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/globaladvocacy/pr2010-03-18.html