Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM), and Rotarians can be excited by the prospect of achieving malaria elimination in Timor Leste in the next five years writes Christine Williams.
The incidence of local transmission is very low, however there is still the risk of cross border infections.
Unfortunately the Global Fund (to fight AIDS, TB & malaria) is significantly reducing their funding at this crucial time, ironically because the disease is so well controlled. To achieve malaria free certification from the WHO there must be no local transmission for three consecutive years so Rotary, in conjunction with the Timor Leste government, will be working hard to achieve zero and keep it there.
Another affirmation for RAM
The new WHO Integrated Vector Control Strategy has been adopted at the 2017 World Health Assembly. The strategy aims to strengthen programs to address multiple vectors and enhance collaboration, to engage and mobilise responses from affected communities, to enhance surveillance and monitoring and to scale up integrated management approaches and fast track new innovations.
This Global strategy is adopting many of the principals that are already in action in RAM’s Healthy Villages and Chasing malaria program.
A member of the RAM team is happy to come to your club and give you an update on RAM – contact Christine Williams District 9820 RAM chair. chriswilliams31@outlook.com
