GANTA, Nimba – Between 2000 and 2015, the number of malaria cases and deaths in Africa declined from 42% to 66%, respectively, according to a message from the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti.

“The extraordinary commitment of individuals and household, families and communities, health care workers, national authorities, and partners made this achievement possible,” Moeti’s message read.

Despite this progress, the WHO’s Regional Director said there still remains a major public health and development challenges in Africa. He recounted that in 2015, Africa accounted for 80% of global malaria cases and 90% of global malaria deaths. Thirteen countries in Africa alone accounted for about 80% of the global malaria cases for 2015.

“A malaria-free Africa is possible through strong coordination and implementation of clear strategies and actions; deployment of effective financing mechanisms; and developing processes for tracking progress. This will enhance and leverage existing global and regional solidarity and to transform malaria elimination into a continental social movement,” Moeti’s message continued.

Nursing Students from the Ganta Methodist School of Nursing at the occasion – Photo by Arrington Ballah

Moeti’s note was read in commemoration of the 2016 World Malaria Day by the WHO Representative to Liberia, Dr. Alex Gasasira. The program, which was held at the Ganta Sports Field, was organized by the Ministry of Health and the Nimba County Health team, with the theme, ‘End Malaria for Good.’ Pregnant women were especially encouraged to visit health facilities to take anti-malaria medication.

“Today, April 25, 2016, commemorates World Malaria Day,” Gasasira declared. “The commemoration of this day is to raise the awareness about malaria and its divesting impact; underscoring the need to accelerate and sustain efforts to defeat Malaria.” Gasasira Said.

This year’s celebration coincided with Africa Vaccination Week and parents were urged to vaccinate their children before they reach the age of one. At the event, two vaccines were being administered: the Rotavirus Vaccine for children ages 1-5 to prevent childhood diarrhea; and the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for girls ages 10 – 18 to prevent cervical cancer.

HPV Vaccine administration to school girls at the occasion – Photo by Arrington Ballah

Highlighting the importance of the Africa Vaccination Week 2016, WHO’s Africa Regional Director noted that the aim of the week was to keep immunization high on the national and regional agendas through advocacy and partnerships, thereby promoting the delivery of high-impact lifesaving interventions.

Africa Vaccination Week 2016 is the sixth iteration of the celebration, which started in 2011. The week was established and endorsed by all member states in Africa Region in 2010 in Brazzaville, Congo in order to provide a unique opportunity for countries and partners to strengthen national immunization programs through advocacy and partnerships.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah