January 12- The RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Zero Malaria F.C. have combined for a campaign driven by football legends and music stars to increase malaria awareness and urge greater action against the deadly disease.
Launched on the eve of the AFCON kick off, the RBM Partnership to End Malaria is urging donor countries, leaders, and policymakers to enhance their commitment and support in the global effort to eliminate malaria throughout 2024 and beyond.
The partnership, alongside Zero Malaria F.C. – an initiative co-captained by Luís Figo and Khalilou Fadiga – is actively involving players, fans, and key stakeholders to heighten awareness of the disease and advocate for more substantial action.
The United States and French governments are extending their support to the Ministry of Health of Côte d’Ivoire through joint press conferences, where embassy representatives from both nations are actively participating to underscore the significance of this collective initiative.
“Malaria does not discriminate. Malaria does not spare and malaria continues to spread. We all know that, unfortunately, Africa bears almost the entire burden of this disease on a global scale. However, despite this dark picture, we must remain hopeful and act. Because everyone, whether in this room, in front of your screens, in the stadiums and in the communities, has a role to play in putting an end to this disease,” Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene of Côte d’Ivoire said.
Jessica Davis Ba, Ambassador of the United States in Côte d’Ivoire said: “AFCON presents a momentous opportunity to combine the unifying power of football with the dissemination of anti-malaria messaging and to deliver a call to action that will mobilize youth, decision makers, private sector actors and members of civil society to be ambassadors for change.”
Football icons Jay-Jay Okocha and Kader Keita have already joined the team and on January 10 international artist Didi B joined the F.C. to support awareness and youth engagement across Africa and the world.
Speaking at the press conference, Didi B said: “I am delighted to join the malaria fight and support the efforts of the RBM Partnership to end malaria. It is unacceptable that this disease continues to kill a child every minute. Young people in Africa need to understand that they have a role to play in this important fight. Malaria hinders our creativity and our ability to shine and realise our dreams, and we need to eliminate it for good.”
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