Today PATH joins with others around the world to observe Africa Malaria Day, a day set aside by those committed to stopping this deadly disease.

PATH and other organizations are hosting a reception in Washington, DC, with the Honorable Donald Payne (D-NJ) and the Honorable Chris Smith (R-NJ). The reception will feature a photo exhibit that shows progress in malaria control activities across Africa.

In addition, PATH is hosting the very first Seattle community commemoration of Africa Malaria Day. We are honored to be joined by Mr. Bill Gates, Sr., co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who is recently back from Zambia and a visit to the Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), a program at PATH.

In the spirit of true partnership, we are bringing together some of Seattle’s leaders in malaria research, treatment, and prevention to participate in this event, including executives from Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Health Alliance International, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Earlier in the day, PATH also joined in the Africa Malaria Day commemorations in Chipata, Zambia, where the Deputy Minister of Health presided over an official ceremony recognizing the importance of scaling up efforts to fight the disease. Insecticide-treated bednets were distributed, and a concert and football match were held to rally public support for defeating malaria in Zambia.

Learn more about PATH’s commitment to stop malaria.

Posted April 25, 2007.