Nations agree to push fight against malaria

COMMONWEALTH countries have agreed to enhance their efforts to deal with the threats posed by the spread of malaria particularly in developing nations.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill attended the 2018 Malaria Summit in London held in conjunction with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (See Pg26).
The summit included presentations by billionaire Bill Gates on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
O’Neill provided an insight into efforts by PNG to treat the disease and to enhance preparedness for affected areas.
He said Commonwealth countries had made great progress in dealing with malaria.
“We all know that malaria affects the poorest in our communities, particularly the most vulnerable – our children,” he said.
“Malaria affects productivity and leads to economic and social hardship.
“Being poor should never deny a person’s right to a healthy and productive life.”
O’Neill thanked the many partner countries, NGOs and the private sector, who have joined with us to fight malaria in our country and in other nations.
“I would like to thank the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their generous contributions to combat the spread of malaria and other disease such as tuberculosis.”
At the conclusion of the summit, O’Neill with prime ministers from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands signed a joint communique to maintain focus on the eliminating malaria.