UNICEF needs 1.9 billion USD to combat malaria in Africa

August 14, 2007

UNICEF needs about 1.9 billion U.S. dollars to combat malaria in Africa, UNICEF representative in Zambia Lotta Sylwander has said.
She said that the organization currently had 600 million dollars which is not enough to fight the disease.

Sylwander was speaking Monday in Kazungula district in Southern Province during the official launch of the mass distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs).

"We need about 1.9 billion dollars to combat malaria in Africa. Money is now coming in from the Global Fund and 600 million dollars is what we have at the moment.Despite money flowing in, we still need more. UNICEF is not only calling for more money, but the money is just not enough,'' she said.

Sylwander said that UNICEF is also calling for an integrated community approach.

She said there is need to spread information on how people should protect themselves from malaria through community sensitization.

Sylwander said that malaria remained the number one illness of pregnant women and children under five years.

Source: Xinhua