Statement from Senator Barack Obama on World Malaria Day
Friday, April 25, 2008
Printable FormatFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Ortiz, 202 228 5566
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement in recognition of World Malaria Day:
"There are over 350 million cases of malaria each year, and over one million people die each year from the disease. Most of the victims are children in Africa. Malaria also strikes populations in Asia and Latin America. In many cases, commonsense solutions like bed nets, insecticides, and access to the right antimalarial drugs can make a major difference in combating the disease.
"Today, we commemorate the global efforts underway to control malaria and its devastating impact. World Malaria Day provides a valuable opportunity to take stock of progress, share scientific advances and successful strategies, and assess the work that still needs to be done.
"I have called for doubling our foreign assistance to $50 billion by 2012 to address the threat of deadly diseases like malaria along with other important issues such as global poverty, tyranny, terrorism, and proliferation of deadly weapons. I have also called for combined funding of $1.65 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in the FY2009 appropriations bills.
"I applaud all those who are working to address the devastation caused by malaria and will continue to support expanded efforts to control the disease and help those who are afflicted."