Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM)

Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have been involved in numerous worldwide Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) projects since 1990. A decade later, malaria continues to be a significant health problem in many areas of the world.

 

The Solomon Islands has been a focal point for Australian efforts. The Choisel and Western Provinces in the Solomon Islands have been chosen as the site for a National RAM Malaria Control Program. Workers in this project are confident that over the next three years, they will be able to reduce the incidence of Malaria in these Provinces from more than 300 cases per thousand each year to less than 80 cases per thousand per year:. This will be an achievement of international significance.

 

The World Health Organisation recently invited RAM to participate in their Global Partnership to "Roll Back Malaria", recognising that Rotary has a significant part to play in the control and eventual eradication of this disease. The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International has also provided major assistance and funding to assist RAM in their fight against Malaria in the Solomon Islands.

 

This is only one aspect of the overall RAM program and many other projects of a more general nature are being pursued. The most important of these is research into new drugs, vaccines and new methods of mosquito control. RAM has made available many thousands of dollars in Research Grants into the 'Treatment and Prevention of Malaria".

 

For the past five Rotary years, District 9810 has been very active developing a database of volunteers, preparing information for clubs and donating funds for purchase of mosquito nets and other anti-malarial measures in PNG, East Timor and The Solomons.

 

A major focus has been the "Adopt a Village" program for the Gulf Province of PNG where many clubs and other organisations have contributed sufficent funds to provide mosquito netting in many villages to reduce the incidence of malaria.  Well over 100 villages have been provided with bed nets so far and the program is continuing this year.

 

For further details of RAM projects and how you or you club can be involved, please contact RAM committee chairman Jacqueline Gleeson.  You can contact Jackie by  following the email link at the foot of this page.

 

For additional information about RAM visit the following websites:

RAM in the USA

RAM in Australia

 

The latest edition of the RAM Australia newsletter is available by clicking on the following link:   RAM newsletter August 2008