Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has launched the distribution of 2.8 Million Mosquito nets across the fifteen counties in Liberia and highlighted critical achievements in government’s fight against the killer malaria disease.

Delivering a statement on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the official program marking the 8th commemoration of World Malaria Day 2015 at the Monrovia City Hall, Foreign Minister Ngafuan highlighted some major achievements of the government and people of Liberia in the fight against malaria over the past ten (10) years which include 50% reduction in malaria prevalence, the expansion in access to prompt and effective treatment for malaria, suspension of tariff on all anti-malaria commodities and the institution of ban on the importation of monotherapies for malaria in the country.

According to Minister Ngafuan, despite these achievements, malaria still remains a serious problem to the health system. With over 198 million people affected globally and around 584,000 death annually, and with over half of the World's more than 6 billion people at risk, it is imperative that Liberian renew its commitment globally and as a nation combat this disease until, Liberia feel comfortable of a significant  reduction of malaria impact on the world at large.

Minister Ngafuan assured that the Government of Liberia remains committed to the fight against malaria and with continued support from partners, this commitment will be translated into tangible actions that will see these achievements sustained and indicators improved.

Foreign Minister encouraged every Liberian to sleep under mosquito nets to prevent themselves from malaria. "Protect yourself and your family against malaria and stay healthy because a healthy nation is a prosperous nation", added Minister Ngafuan.

The Liberian Foreign Minister on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia expressed condolences to the family of the late Joel Jones and the health community of Liberia. Dr. Jones was former National Malaria Control Program Manager who died recently.

Making remarks at the commemoration of the 8th World Malaria Day, Madam Deborah Malac, United States Ambassador accredited to Liberia commended the late Dr. Jones in his combat against malaria. “Liberia and the entire malaria control community have greatly benefited from Dr. Jones dedication and Liberia is grateful”, the US Ambassador mentioned.

Ambassador Malac stressed that malaria is the one of the leading causes of death in Liberia but the usage of mosquito nets is one of the best measures to prevent the spread of malaria. She added that the distribution of the 2.8 million mosquito nets will help Liberia reach the World Health Organization goal of 1 net for every 2.8 persons.

She said the US Government is supporting the efforts of the Liberian government to begin routinely providing nets to a woman at her first prenatal visit and when she delivers her child in a healthcare facility where she is to be attended to by skilled health workers.  The US Envoy also mentioned that her government is also working with the Ministry of Health in providing anti malaria drugs to pregnant women at least two dosages during pregnancy.

Also making remarks at the program was the Global Fund Portfolio Manager, Mr. Noah Zahrobsky thanked governments and partners around the world for contributing to Global Fund's funding for the purchase  of the 2.8 million mosquito nets, the campaign and the continue fight toward the eradication of malaria. Mr. Zahrobsky encouraged communities to sleep under mosquito nets with the same resilient they showed in adopting preventive measures towards the fight against the deadly Ebola virus and hoping that such enthusiasm will go a long way in the efforts to eradicate malaria.

The 8th World Malaria Day this year was celebrated under the global theme: "Invest In The Future, Defeat Malaria," and the local slogan "No Mosquito, No Malaria."