Theme Get your Act together - Slogan Universal Access to effective malaria treatment is a human right

Background

In line with the Declaration made at the Summit of Heads of State on Malaria in April, 2000 in Abuja, Countries of the region hold annual commemoration of the Africa Malaria Day (AMD) on the 25th of April, of each year .The theme for this year's Africa Malaria Day is "Get your Act together". The accompanying slogan selected this year's commemoration is "Universal access to effective malaria treatment is a Human Right".

The theme as proposed uses the word "ACT" to serve two purposes. Firstly, it calls for stakeholders to make effective treatment accessible to the population at risk of malaria. Secondly the word "ACT relates to the acronym for Artemesinin Based Combination Therapy that WHO has recommended as the most effective treatment for malaria for adoption by countries. Africa Malaria Day campaign will be used to promote this recommendation and to remind countries of the ACT's efficacy in the treatment of malaria.

The theme for this year's commemoration has also been selected to move the fight against malaria to a new level, focusing on the human rights approach. Africa Malaria Day 2006 should also provide the opportunity for countries and the partnership to take stock of how much they have achieved with respect to the Abuja Targets and to chart the way forward for the period 2006 and beyond.

1. Broad goals for the Africa Malaria Day

1. To advocate for the involvement of malaria stakeholders and partners to make effective treatment accessible to the population at risk of malaria.
2. To advocate for the promotion of Artemesinin Based Combination Therapy (ACTs) and to remind governments of their role in making ACTs accessible.

2. Specific objectives

1. To advocate for policy makers and those in authority to support the introduction and implementation of ACTs in the treatment of malaria 
2. To increase knowledge and awareness of malaria among the health workers and their associates.
3. To advocate for increased resources for the new treatment regimes form all relevant stake stakeholders 
4. To advocate for the introduction and use of ACTs in the treatment of malaria.

In Zimbabwe, this year - Africa Malaria Day launch will be carried out in Mashonaland Central Province in Mt Darwin at Dotito High School. . Several activities to commemorate Africa Malaria Day have been lined up. High level government officials will support and participate in the event. Local political leaders and communities, school children and local politicians will participate in the event. Information and IEC materials will be distributed to the participants to raise awareness and knowledge about malaria

WHO will continue to support the government of Zimbabwe's efforts in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality as set in the Abuja Targets