Rwanda has been recommended for her efforts in accelerating and sustaining access to malaria control and treatment.
Rwanda emerged among the seven African countries that won the prestigious 2012 African Leaders Malaria Alliance awards.
The award was presented to President Kagame on this Monday during ALMA forum held on the sidelines of 18th Ordinary Session of the African Union.
In his acceptance speech, President Kagame noted that the reduction of malaria is a result of the numerous efforts geared towards improving the welfare of the Rwandan people. “Thank you for the award, which I receive on behalf of Rwandans who work so hard to make their lives better” Kagame said.
“The efforts recognized today are proof of what can be done with the resources at our disposal, relevant policies, and a great deal of commitment.” Current figures indicate that deaths due to malaria in Rwanda dropped to only 7% from 60% following years of a rapid scale-up.
The battle against Malaria in the country was characterized by massive distribution of insecticide treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and a combination of therapies.
Addressing the high profile gathering, that included Heads of State and governments, attending the AU summit, President Kagame called for collaboration among countries in the fight against malaria.
“Shared information translates into shared and reduced costs thus helping countries to overcome the issue of insufficient funds,”
“If we work together and direct more domestic resources to malaria control, I believe this challenge can be overcome, and we can make even greater strides towards a healthier African population.” Kagame said.
Adding that cross border anti-malaria efforts are needed in areas such early detection of drug resistance and harmonization of control interventions. Award recipients were grouped into two categories.
The awards’ recipients were grouped into two categories.
In the First category, Rwanda alongside Burundi and Mozambique were recognized for having banned the importation and use of oral artemisinin which is a herbal treatment for parasitic infections and malaria and removal of tariffs on all essential commodities used in the fight against Malaria.
In the award acceptance speech, President Kagame said the reduction of Malaria in Rwanda results from efforts put in improving Rwandans’ welfare.
He added that the efforts recognized are proof of what can be done with the resources at one’s disposal, relevant policies, and a great deal of commitment.
ALMA award is presented to Rwanda at a time when the Country is drawing praises from all over the World for having reduced Malaria significantly.
Current figures indicate that deaths due to malaria in Rwanda have dropped to only 7% from 60% following years of a rapid scale-up.
The battle against Malaria in Rwanda was characterized by a massive distribution of insecticide treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and a combination of therapies.
Addressing a high profile gathering including Heads of state and government who attended the AU summit, President Kagame also called for collaboration among countries in the fight against malaria saying that shared information translates into shared and reduced costs thus helping countries to overcome the issue of insufficient funds.
The second category of 2012 ALMA awards winners include Benin, Cameroon, Kenya and Tanzania.
The four countries were recognized for having made outstanding progress in malaria control over the last year.
ALMA whose chairperson is Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was launched in September 2009 to serve as a forum through which African Leaders work together to combat Malaria on the Continent.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was announced the new chair person of ALMA replacing Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete.
The Alliance comprises heads of state and government of 35 countries across the Continent.
ENDS
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