As of 2011, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea has decreased the prevalence of the malaria parasite in children by 57% in just four years and has increased the number of children protected by bednets or indoor spraying of insecticides from 4% to 95% in that same period, according to a report by Roll Back Malaria titled Business Investing in Malaria Control: Economic Returns and a Healthy Workforce for Africa.
Ghana has experienced great improvement in the delivery of its malaria control programs in the past four years (2006-2010). Estimated malaria cases in 2006 of 8.3 million were reduced to 3.2 million in 2008, ITN ownership increased from 4.8% household coverage in 2003 to 37.5% in 2008, and ACT use in treating malaria among children under 5 grew quickly to 24.8% in 2008.
While Voices' primary goal is to expand national movements of private and public sector leaders in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana, a regional presence is South Africa is important. This presence ensures that the program builds strong relationships with multi-nationals, many of which are based in South Africa, that have an interest in endemic-country markets and are motivated to invest in malaria control efforts in these markets.
Current UAM Private Sector Partners in South Africa
• MTN
• Nandos Peri-Peri Chicken Restaurants
• Standard Bank
• SAB Miller
Uganda has a steady growing economy with a gross domestic product per capita of US$ 1,300 and a rapidly growing population of 32.4 million people. It is 87% rural and reports a malaria prevalence of 24%. Malaria is the leading cause of death and illness, accounting for 25-40% of all outpatient department visits, and resulting in 70,000-100,000 annual deaths.
