Private sector reception alongside Malaria World Congress

Two innovative private sector malaria initiatives were showcased during a recent event highlighting how malaria elimination requires a whole-of-society commitment, including creative engagement with businesses and consumers.

The Business Alliance Against Malaria has worked closely with leading malaria organizations such as the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the Global Fund and the World Health Organization. Formerly known as the Private Sector Malaria Coalition, the Alliance is today building further on that history and established relationships. It serves as the only platform that unites companies across industries and continents to bring multi-sectoral expertise and strategic partnership to the fight against malaria.

“We want to demonstrate that they are many ways to get involved in the fight against malaria,” said Justin McBeath, representing Bayer, one of the Alliance’s corporate members.

Member companies of the Alliance include major pharmaceutical groups, companies specialized in vector control tools, as well as firms involved in consumer/staff malaria initiatives such as Nando’s.

'M2030' was recently created by APLMA and private sector partners as a platform for tackling malaria in Asia. It brings together international health organizations, Asian corporations and consumers so that a small part of everyday purchases or actions can contribute to fighting the disease – allowing stakeholders in each part of the retail process to be part of a larger cause. The DT Families Foundation, represented at the event by Dr Wit Sootaranun, is a key partner in M2030.

“Thanks to M2030, we came to realise that malaria is still an issue in Thailand,” said Dr Sootaranun. “We want to contribute to its elimination in our country and be part of this historic achievement.”

The DT Families Foundation is a private philanthropic initiative started by Thai business leaders and their relatives. The foundation is focused on education, health and the environment, and is dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable society.

Co-organized by the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the Business Alliance Against Malaria and APLMA, the reception – entitled ‘Mobilizing businesses and consumers in the fight against malaria’ – took place alongside the recent Malaria World Congress. It gathered more than 100 participants from among Congress participants and Melbourne’s private sector community.

Speakers also included Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho, Board Chair of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Ray Nishimoto, Representative Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer at Sumitomo Chemical, Dr David Reddy, CEO of Medicines for Malaria Ventures, and Sherwin Charles, CEO of Goodbye Malaria.