Presentation by Bruce Anderson PDG
Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) was initiated in 1995. Partners include the WHO, Australian Army Malaria Research Institute, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UN Global Fund, DFAT, Australian Volunteers International, and many more.
RAM has been working in partner countries Vanuatu and Timor towards a vision of zero indigenous malaria. Areas of focus include PNG, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and West Timor, next target is West Papua.
One of the likely consequences of climate change will be an increase in the number of cases in northern Australia. Current incidence is about 400 cases/ year, all imported.
The life cycle of the malaria parasite involves two hosts, mosquitoes and humans.
The simplest way to avoid malaria is not to be bitten by the mosquito vector. And if you have been bitten, don't get bitten again!
The gist of WHO's 283-page World Malaria Report is that hard-won progress against malaria is being undermined by climate change. Flooding in Pakistan caused a huge increase in the areas inundated, and in mosquito numbers. Nigeria experienced 1.3 million new cases in the reporting period.
Rising temperatures have enabled malaria transmission in highland areas of Ethiopia and Uganda. Previously, in areas above 3000 metres altitude, mosquitoes did not live long enough for the malaria parasite to multiply while in the mosquito-hosted stage of their life-cycle.
Other threats include resistance to insecticides and anti-malarial medicines.
Anopheles Stephensi, a mosquito from the Asian Mekong Delta, is now established in the Horn of Africa.
Post Covid there has been a $7.8 billion funding shortfall for malaria programs.
How big is this problem?
Globally, there are 249 million cases/year.
Last year there were 600,000 deaths, 32,000 more than pre-Covid.
77% of deaths are children under 5 years old.
How do we break the cycle of infection?
-By working with governments and NGO's
-distributing long lasting insecticide-impregnated bed nets (replaced every 3 years)
-residual insecticide spraying of eaves (where mosquitos gather)
-education of affected populations
-engineering environments eg drain swamps to reduce mosquito breeding
-rapid, accurate diagnosis and surveillance of cases.
-effective treatment logistics
-research Ph D scholarships to increase on-site knowledge.
-If a village has a trained community health worker, then others can swing into action .
What are the issues affecting malaria eradication?
Funding -During Covid , donations decreased significantly, although external funding increased through global grants.
Now, RAM must re-engage with Districts, Clubs, and grass-roots Rotarians. Partnerships at home and abroad must be nurtured and extended, with more hands-on volunteer teams, and a return to the Adopt- a village program.
In Vanuatu there is an agreement with Australian Volunteers International for the posting of 4 long term volunteers. Solomon Islands has a 'Kick Out Malaria ' intervention program, while in PNG 100 mountain bikes have been provided for community health workers to travel more easily between villages.
There will be a Promotion Booth in the House of Friendship at next RI international convention in Houston Texas.
Malaria eradication is the next big project after Polio.
At the Global Malaria Elimination Congress at Calgary, Canada next year, Jessica Mauboy will attend as ambassador for RAWCS.
Vaccines are less effective for malaria than other diseases such as polio.
There are currently 2 vaccines recommended for use in children in moderate-high transmission areas. They produce a 13% reduction in deaths, but MUST be used in conjunction with other control measures. This is a work in progress.
The Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap is to ' develop and license malaria vaccines with a protective efficacy of at least 75% against clinical malaria in areas with ongoing malaria transmission.'
Success Stories
Indigenous malaria in Timor Leste has declined to 0 (zero) cases last year.
Rotary can open doors which are closed to governments.
Although the incidence of malaria has increased since Covid, the number of deaths from malaria have declined.
Chair John Allcock thanked Bruce for his enlightening talk, and the RC Alexandra confirmed a donation of $1000 to RAM to further this important work
