Beckham launches ‘Malaria Must Die’ campaign
Former Manchester United star David Beckham on Wednesday February 7th, launched an ambitious new global malaria campaign, ‘Malaria Must Die’.
The global campaign backed by a wide coalition of organisations and celebrities, are calling upon leaders to prioritise the fight against malaria, or risk undoing decades of unprecedented progress.
The first focus of the campaign is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting being hosted in London in April 2018. (Malaria No More UK is convening the campaign on behalf of the global malaria community).
According to reports Malaria is the world’s oldest disease. Over 445,000 people die every year from malaria, mostly pregnant women and children under five, 90% of the Commonwealth population live in malaria affected countries. Malaria is totally preventable and costs less than a cup of tea to treat.
David Beckham, ex-England captain and founding member of ‘Malaria No More UK Leadership Council’ said he is delighted with the level of progress made to save lives from malaria infection.
“I have supported the malaria fight for over 15 years and it’s been exciting to see the progress made to save lives, including millions of young children.
“As the mosquito film shows, these insects are annoying in places likes the UK, but in many parts of the world, a mosquito bite is terrifying and deadly, leading to malaria and the loss of a child’s life every two minutes. This is totally unacceptable, especially when we know how to prevent and cure it. That’s why I’m standing with the millions who live with this threat every day. I urge Commonwealth leaders to be ready to take bold action when they meet in London in April and to unite to stop this disease in its tracks.” Beckham said.
The ground-breaking film, made by Ridley Scott Associates working with digital ad agency R/GA and Director Baillie Walsh, alongside input from Richard Curtis, features David in a glass box “under attack” by a swarm of mosquitoes.
James Whiting, Executive Director of ‘Malaria No More UK’ (the NGO convening the campaign on behalf of the global malaria community) said: “Malaria is the world’s oldest known disease and history’s deadliest killer. Efforts to fight the disease have delivered unprecedented progress in recent years. But worryingly progress has stalled and we risk undoing decades of work. Which is why we are calling on Commonwealth leaders to reinforce their support to ending malaria at this, the most crucial of junctures – especially with the knockout blow in sight?”
The malaria fight is far from won – The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) annual World Malaria Report came out at the end of 2017 with a stark wake-up call showing progress to save lives slowing for the first time in many years.
“We are at a crossroads in the global response to malaria. WHO’s recent World Malaria Report shows that progress is stalling and, without urgent action, we risk going backwards. Currently, about half of malaria deaths each year are in Commonwealth countries. Leaders of these countries must take action now and make a renewed commitment to putting us on the path towards a malaria-free world”, said Pedro L. Alonso, Director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Malaria Programme.
Anthony Nlebem & Anthonia Obokoh