Dr Nesto Shivute, the World Health Organisation Country Representative in the Gambia, has asserted that malaria related illness and mortality cause Africa’s economy approximately US$12 billion per year.
He made this disclosure at the commemoration of this year’s Africa Malaria Day held at Mamudfana in Niamina East Constituency.

According to him, it is sad for the World Health Organisation to report that malaria is the leading cause of death for children under the age of five in Africa, one of whom dies every thirty second.
He said the theme of this year’s commemoration “Free Africa from Africa Now”, acknowledges the success made in identifying the need for continuous leadership and stronger partnership, if malaria is to be defeated.
“While we acknowledge the challenges facing Africa’s health system in meeting the need of its population, we stress that knowledge, political will, partner interest and some resources exist now in the fight against Africa’s major diseases namely  HIV/Aids, TB and malaria,” he added.

He said the Abuja Summit which brought together 44 African leaders and governments called for universal  access to HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria services in order to make significant  impact in the fight against the three diseases.

The WHO representative however called for the translation of the commitment, leadership into action to scale up the provision of health services to Africa’s population. “To intensify the fight against malaria, it is imperative that we as partners continue to ensure that we collectively work to support the country and to monitor the variables indicating progress towards malaria elimination and control,” he said.