Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Malaria Day on the 30th of May in Kanyemba, in Mashonaland Central Province.  WHO, UNICEF, PSI and Syngenta were some of the RBM partners that supported and participated during the commemoration of the first ever World Malaria Day.  Other Local partners from the province participated during the launch. Among the dignitaries present were the local MP, National Commissariat from the ruling party, local chiefs and traditional leaders from Kanyemba.  Zambia and Mozambique were also represented during the commemoration.  

The collaboration between Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia is a sign of RBM efforts improving cross border malaria prevention and control activities, especially since the countries share similar health challenges.  Mashonaland Central Province enjoys the support and acknowledges the good collaboration portrayed by Zambia and Mozambique in addressing health issues experienced by the three countries.  Malaria affects two thirds of the Zimbabwean population. Morbidity and mortality has however, been gradually coming down over the years because of the intensified efforts and cross- border collaboration aimed at reducing the mosquito- human contact. 

In his welcoming speech, the Acting Governor for Mashonaland Central Province highlighted that the province continues to witness accelerated Malaria programmes, but the challenge of drug availability persisted.  He expressed a desire to make malaria a disease of the past in the province thanks to the continued efforts from different stakeholders in malaria control

In her speech to mark World Malaria Day, Dr C. Mandlhate acknowledged the good work the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is doing in reducing malaria in the country and along the Zambezi escarpment where unfortunately the people are greatly exposed.  She highlighted that Malaria remains a public health problem in Africa and accounts for one million deaths globally, 90% of whom are children.Dr Mandlhate informed the audience that in the past Africa Malaria Day was commemorated but this year the World Health Assembly in May 2007 decided to extend this advocacy opportunity to the entire world, hence the change from Africa Malaria Day to Word Malaria Day.  The regional launch was celebrated in Livingstone, Zambia.  She stated that the African Region is celebrating World Malaria Day under the theme Malaria- A Disease without borders, with the accompanying slogan united to combat Malaria. 

In addition, SADC efforts in increasing cross borders malaria collaboration were highlighted as some of the achievements.  She again stressed that if we all contribute to increase malaria free zones, we may get good results in the Southern region.  In her concluding remarks the WR reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting the government of Zimbabwe and its health partners in combating malaria and in contributing to the achievement of the health related millennium development goals.

In a speech read on his behalf by Ms Chasokela, the Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr David Parirenyatwa said the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is very serious about malaria prevention and control.  He acknowledged the work by the RBM Partners in Zimbabwe, including the work which is carried out by WHO as a life partner of the MOHCW. He also pointed out that some of the challenges the province is facing are not unique, hence the need for cross border collaboration.

During the launch there were colorful displays of posters and banners, RDTSs testing and treatment of malaria.  Different drama groups dressed in malaria promotion T-Shirts provided music, dance and drama to the audience.  School children demonstrated a good knowledge of malaria prevention and treatment as they recited malaria messages through poems, song , drama, theatre and role plays.