Global Fund launches net scheme

The Global Fund has announced a major scheme to help Africa in its fight against malaria.

A $336 million (£201 million) initiative has been launched, with this money ensuring the provision of 50 million long-lasting nets in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.

Around 26 million of the nets will be sent to Nigeria, 11 million to Ethiopia, 7.3 million to Uganda, 4.8 million to Tanzania and the remaining million will go to Kenya.

Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of the Global Fund, said that these nets will help millions of people safeguard themselves against malaria over the next few months alone.

He added: "Malaria was a neglected disease when the Global Fund started but we are now at a point where reaching global targets for malaria is no longer fanciful but something that can actually be achieved."

According to the Global Fund, 90 per cent of malaria deaths occur in Africa, with 2,200 Africans dying from the disease every day.

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