By Holy See Mission
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Celestino
Migliore
Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See
63rd session of the
United Nations General Assembly
Agenda item 43:
2001-2010: Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries,
Particularly in
Africa
New York, 15 October 2008Mr President,
My delegation is
grateful for the extensive report of the Secretary-General on the implementation
of General Assembly Resolution 62/180 entitled: 2001-2010: Decade to Roll
Back Malaria in Developing Countries, Particularly in Africa and notes both
the challenges in combating this disease as well as the progress made thus far.The recent General Assembly decision to give greater attention to
developing countries, especially in Africa, is a positive step in the right
direction, particularly because it recognizes that malaria can be substantially
reduced by public awareness, education and committing resources toward research
and treatment. Given that in the last fifteen years there has been an increased
prevalence of the disease—which could well double the death rate in the next
twenty years—it is imperative that the international community work together in
order to fight this endemic.
Each year between 300
and 500 million people contract malaria which kills over 1 million people—at
least one death every thirty seconds. According to the World Health
Organization, 90 percent of such deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and the
majority of victims are children under five years of age—with almost 3,000
children dying every day in that region. Furthermore, the next largest number
of victims are pregnant mothers.
Malaria remains a
major threat to human security. Because of the cost of prevention and
treatment, those who live in poverty are those most susceptible to this serious
disease.
A great
number of committed individuals, especially skilled health personnel, are
working in primary health centers and through various faith-based organizations
in many of the most affected areas in order to care for and properly treat those
who have been infected. These providers who often go unnoticed, perform heroic
acts of service by caring for those in need.
Our focus in
addressing this disease must remain on research, prevention and treatment. We
know that the reduction of malaria transmission is achieved by prevention of
mosquito bites and control of the mosquito population. In this
prospective it seems opportune to recall the Abuja Declaration that calls, among
other things, for the development of mechanisms to facilitate the provision of
reliable information to decision-makers at different epidemiological levels to
enable health authorities to devise appropriate control and surveillance
strategies.
Individuals must be
able to receive affordable, safe and, where necessary, free diagnostic testing
and drugs. Proper diagnosis is available and infected individuals can make full
recovery if provided with the adequate means. Efforts should be made so that
appropriate treatment is accessible to those who are suffering.
Resources must
continue to be allocated to ongoing research into developing new, safe and
cost-efficient vaccines as well as medicines to treat those infected. Success in
such endeavors will not fail to translate into gradual reduction in the number
of overall infections.
In a
particular way my Delegation calls the attention to positive efforts in
assisting those in need. One is reminded of the importance of educating and
helping families care for their loved ones who have contracted malaria. Many
Catholic organizations are deeply involved in this field, with wide and directed
campaigns. Furthermore, they train community groups to educate parents and
caregivers of young children infected with malaria.
Notwithstanding other serious infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
that demand equal attention, our efforts on malaria cannot be sidelined.
Clearly, the global community must remain committed to fight all diseases which
threaten human lives and security.
Thank you, Mr President.
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