Statement by Patty Stonesifer on President Bush's Announcement of the G8 Initiative on Malaria

WASHINGTON -- Today’s announcement by President George Bush of a U.S. commitment of new resources to malaria is an important step in the fight for global health equity. I thank him for his leadership on this issue.

This new effort provides funds to rapidly increase global efforts to fight this disease. Malaria is the number one killer of children in Africa, with one child dying every 30 seconds. These deaths are unnecessary and unacceptable, and it is a positive sign that the global community is finally recognizing this. 

We will only succeed in this fight by combining forces and working together. To truly make a difference, it is critical that this new initiative on malaria work in close collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership and other donors and impacted nations.

G-8 leaders have an unprecedented opportunity when they meet next week to make a historic commitment to help end the misery of millions. This initiative, if fully realized, can contribute towards that goal. I commend President Bush for his leadership and vision in focusing the world's attention on the progress that can be made in combating malaria.

Patty Stonesifer is Co-chair and President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.