New WHO Malaria Leader Arrives at 'Pivotal Moment'
WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan welcomed Ray Chambers on Feb. 14 to his new global role in malaria control, after United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced his appointment as his Special Envoy for Malaria.
"We are at a pivotal moment in the fight against malaria," said Chan. "We now have the tools to stop malaria, including to quickly reduce child deaths. Ray Chambers has the passion, experience, and commitment the world needs right now to secure the political will and the funds needed to profoundly reduce this threat." WHO recommends three actions to fight malaria: the distribution of free or highly-subsidized insecticide treated bednets to every person who needs one; the use of controlled indoor residual spraying; and the use of artemisinin combination therapy to treat malaria.
WHO says the challenge is to make these actions possible for all communities affected by malaria. Malaria kills about one African child every 30 seconds, but in the past year, increased investment and action against malaria has significantly reduced child deaths in several African countries, according to WHO.