World Malaria Day was established by the World Health Organization in May 2007 and is held on April 25th each year. Events are held around the world to recognize efforts to control malaria and make progress towards a goal of no malaria deaths by 2015. For 2011, the theme for World Malaria Day was “Achieving Progress and Impact.”
Although much progress has been made, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are still at risk for being infected with malaria this year. In 2009, 781 000 people died from malaria, mainly women and children in Africa. Diagnosing malaria infections continues to present significant challenges for healthcare delivery. According to WHO’s World Malaria Report 2010, the percentage of cases tested was less than 20% in 21 countries in Africa. The study results also indicate that many patients are receiving treatment without confirmatory diagnosis. That will contribute to increasing rates of drug resistance.
In partnership with PATH, Claro is part of the progress in eliminating malaria deaths. We will have an impact by advancing a combined malaria and anemia rapid diagnostic test using our SpectraWave system. We are committed to implementing innovative technology to address critical health needs for underserved populations in the developing world.
In marking World Malaria Day 2011, Claro prepared a summary describing this program in more detail.
Be sure to follow the progress of our market and form factor research studies with PATH in Kenya in summer 2011 on our website.
