World Malaria Day 2009

One year after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a call to provide all malaria endemic countries with universal coverage of malaria control tools by the end of 2010, an unprecedented effort to combat malaria is under way. Impressive gains have recently been realized, as 40 percent of the at-risk African population now has access to mosquito nets. Yet to ensure that the remaining 60 percent obtain coverage by the end of 2010, previously underutilized channels, notably religious organizations, can provide an essential expansion of capacity.

On this World Malaria Day, it is pertinent to commend, and realize more fully the potential of the interfaith community in working to achieve these targets in collaboration with leaders in government, international organizations, philanthropic organizations, and the corporate sector. In a part of the world where religion is a central component of life, with the authority and influential capabilities rivaling government, the role of religious organizations in combating malaria cannot be overstated. Because religious organizations are often at the center of a community, enabling opportunities for physical and intellectual exchange, they are uniquely positioned to serve as a focal point. And since religious organizations are often effective and extensive infrastructures in areas where such infrastructure is often lacking, their role in the distribution and utilization of malaria control tools is vital.

When health care systems are not capable of providing the necessary preventative care and treatment, a church or mosque is often the institution that communities depend on. Religious leaders and institutions can play an essential role in distributing bed nets, anti-malarial drugs, testing kits, and, just as importantly, disseminating accurate information about prevention and utilization.

At a broader level, because Africa is a continent with diverse faith groups, these faith groups unite the continent to an extensive global network. Christian and Muslim networks in countries across the globe are integral in directly supporting initiatives and ensuring that malaria remains in the spotlight.

History has proven that faith-based coalitions can be powerful and driving forces, and malaria presents a unique opportunity. Malaria effects Christians and Muslims at almost identical rates, and one of the special aspects of this effort has been that in addition to the direct goal of mitigating this disease, there has been a tremendous global coalescing around a single issue that has clearly demonstrated the boundless possibilities that exist when we allow similarities to supersede differences.

On April 24, the eve of World Malaria Day 2009, an unprecedented interfaith summit will launch a new era in the interfaith effort to combat malaria. World religious leaders will gather in Washington, DC to renew their commitments to combating malaria, and emphasize the vital role that they will continue to play.
Significant ground has been covered, but faith groups will remain an essential link between the most vulnerable victims and the life saving preventative tools and treatment options that are required to stem the tide of this scourge. It is only through partnering with the most effective networks that we can hope to reach the ultimate goal of a world without malaria, and few offer the promise and possibilities of the interfaith community.