Rep. Meeks Statement on World Malaria Day
"In today’s interconnected world, we cannot shy away from our moral responsibility to protect people around the world from infectious diseases, particularly malaria..."
Rep. Meeks Statement on World Malaria Day
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, co-chair of the Congressional Malaria Caucus and a Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in honor of the World Health Organization's World Malaria Day, April 25, 2017:
"In today's interconnected world, we cannot shy away from our moral responsibility to protect people around the world from infectious diseases, particularly malaria. In over 90 countries worldwide, malaria is active and we, as global citizens, have the obligation to fight epidemic threats."
"Whether it be through raising awareness or helping procure funding for anti-malarial vaccines and insecticide-treated nets, I will continue to promote life-saving initiatives in at-risk countries threatened by malaria. We have made progress; in the last 15 years, the amount of people diagnosed with and killed by malaria has decreased precipitously. Still, for too many people the threat of malaria looms large, serving as a constant reminder that at any time, they or their family could fall victim to malaria. If we withhold our resources or take our foot off the gas, we stand to undo all the progress we've made and allow these people in need of our help to continue living in fear.
"On World Malaria Day, I call on all of my partners in the fight to redouble our commitment to finally eradicating malaria."