We hope that you are all in good health and not too impacted by Covid 19. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to Rotarians Against Malaria this is also the case with malaria. The regions have been busy, for example, the Southern Region raised $10,150 from July 2021 to January 2022 bringing their total raised for Rotarians Against Malaria to $33,350. Discussions are in progress with the Vanuatu government to work out the details for use of the funds. National RAM has agreed to support SR RAM with a matched grant of up to AUD30,000. SR RAM will continue to work in partnership with New Zealand Rotary to raise funds for stage two of the malaria elimination program in Vanuatu.
The Northern Region members have given several presentations on malaria face to face and on radio. Rotarians Against Malaria has provided funding for projects in Timor Leste, West Timor, and Vanuatu. National RAM and RAM Solomon Islands (RC Honiara) will conduct Active Case Detection (ACD) training once, and roll out the ACD project over six months, when it is safe to do so.
This year Rotarians Against Malaria is providing a one-year stipend for a final year PhD student from Papua/New Guinea who is studying at the James Cook University, Queensland. The aim of the research is to investigate the transmission of malaria from symptomatic and asymptomatic people to Anopheles farauti mosquitos by conducting direct membrane and human skin feeding experiments. Yes, there are human volunteers lining up to have their blood sucked out by mozzies, it is ‘risky bisky’ but covered by ethics (and medication). This research puts the Papua/ New Guinea Institute of Medical Research in a prime position to test medications and vaccines that prevent the transmission of malaria.
Covid 19 is creating difficulties in organizing the 2022 R.I. Convention at Houston, USA, nevertheless, there are always ways of ‘delivering the goods’. In conjunction with RAM-Global, RAM-Australia and Malaria Partners International, a highly significant event will occur at the RI Convention on June 4th to demonstrate the value of Rotary fully endorsing “end malaria” as the next major campaign. Planning for the 2023 RAM Conference “Finish the Fight” in Melbourne, Australia is also well under way.
Last but not least, the Bentleigh Moorabbin Central Rotary Club in the RAM Southern region is organizing a fabulous fundraiser, the “no mosquito picnic” at Six Acres Winery, 20 Ferndale Road, Silvan on April 30th at 12md-4pm for MAD. There will be delicious food, guest speakers, raffles, and a silent auction. Accommodation is available in the beautiful Yarra Ranges. You would have to be ‘nuts’ not to be involved but please contact Rotarians Against Malaria – No Mosquito Picnic, Silvan – Everi. about Covid regulations before booking.
