Zambia: More than 200 delegates from across Africa attended the two day Faith Leader Advocacy for Malaria Elimination Roundtable Meeting (FLAME). The event took place in Lusaka, Zambia and was opened by Vice President, Mutale Nalumango
The round table meeting is being held under the theme “Harness, Innovate and Act to Save Lives, Time to End Malaria.”
The Vice President of Zambia Mutale Nalumango delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the meeting. The Vice President was represented by Central Province Minister Princesses Kasune.
In his remarks, the VP reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending Malaria in the country. She added that the government is also committed to ensuring that optimal services for malaria are provided across the country.
Nalumango observed that malaria still remains a public challenge in the country and the African continent. Thus, the continent needs to change the malaria status.
The government has commenced the distribution of over 11 million mosquito nets across the country in an effort to prevent malaria.
VP Nalumango claimed that malaria knows no boundaries but by working together with different stakeholders the disease can be addressed.
She added that the government has employed over 11, 000 health personnel to make the mosquito nets available at different health facilities. The newly employed personnel will help address many diseases, among them malaria.
Nalumango stated that the FLAME meeting offers an opportunity where delegates from different African countries share best practices that will help the continent eliminate malaria.
She noted that Malaria can be controlled as it is a preventable and a curable disease if well handled.
“This meeting is a shining example of different stakeholders coming together to tackle this issue and accelerate the malaria action outcomes, ” said Nalumango.
Speaking at the same event, Bishop Paul Mususu said malaria remains the number one killer and this calls for all stakeholders to put all the energies together to handle the malaria challenge.
Bishop Mususu said the African continent and Zambia in particular cannot continue losing lives when the disease is treatable and curable.
He urged people to continue adhering to the Ministry of Health guidelines of prevention against malaria adding that treating malaria requires a lot of funds.
Bishop Mususu said the council is committed and will rally behind the government and ensure that the African continent records zero malaria cases.
Speaking at the same event, End Malaria Council Chairperson Godwin Beene said faith leaders from across the continent have decided to partner with governments and eliminate the malaria burden that has affected the continent.
Meanwhile, Kasama Catholic Archbishop Albert Chama said the goal of the meeting is to change the narrative of malaria on the African continent.
