PATH recognizes World Malaria Day 2012
PATH is hosting events in Seattle and Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 25 to mark World Malaria Day 2012. This year’s global theme is “Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria,” and PATH staff will showcase how, with our partners, we are making strides toward ending malaria.
In the past decade, investments in malaria control have made a dramatic difference in countries affected by the disease, especially in Africa, where 90 percent of cases occur. The Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership in Africa (MACEPA) at PATH supports national governments to implement control strategies and use lifesaving tools such as insecticide-treated bednets and effective medicines that have saved the lives of nearly 1 million African children in the last ten years. Countries using these approaches have seen significant decreases in malaria illnesses and deaths in just two to three years.
Additionally, the world’s most advanced malaria vaccine candidate, being developed through a partnership between the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), GlaxoSmithKline, and African institutions, is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. If all goes well, the World Health Organization has indicated a policy recommendation could come as early as 2015, paving the way for African countries to make a decision about large-scale implementation through childhood immunization programs. A successful vaccine could provide African children with significant protection against clinical and severe malaria.
But these gains toward ending malaria are fragile, and long-term success will require continued investments in research and development.
We invite you to join leaders from PATH and our partner organizations at these events on Wednesday, April 25 to recognize World Malaria Day and learn more about what needs to be done in the fight against the disease.
In Washington, DC
Advancements in US Science and Technology in Malaria: A Showcase of Domestic Research and Development to Save Lives and Keep Americans Safe.
PATH will co-host a congressional reception as part of this event to highlight US innovation, contributions to US economic growth, and scientific and technological progress in the fight against malaria. Join us at the Research and Development Expo from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and at the reception from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 385 Russell Senate Office Building. To attend, please RSVP to robin.roizmangraham@malarianomore.org. You may also view the event invitation online.
In Seattle
World Malaria Day 2012 at PATH.
Keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and a global health professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health, will discuss recent impact in the fight against malaria as well as challenges and opportunities for the future. Dr. Kent Campbell, director of PATH's malaria control program, MACEPA, will provide opening remarks. The event includes a community marketplace where PATH and several partner organizations will present our latest work in fighting malaria. Join us from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave., Suite 200.
Online
You may also watch an archived recording of “Future Directions in Malaria: Accelerating Progress,” our April 19 event in Washington, DC.
Dr. Carter Diggs, senior technical advisor for the US Agency for International Development Malaria Vaccine Development Program, moderated a panel discussion with three PATH staff members: Dr. David Kaslow, director of MVI, Dr. Rick Steketee, science director of MACEPA, and Hugh Chang, interim director of PATH affiliate OneWorld Health. The panelists discussed how PATH is adapting and expanding to meet the malaria challenges ahead.