05 Jul 2018
Australian Government announces more than $16 million for malaria research
Malaria research has received a significant funding boost with the Commonwealth Government dedicating more than AUD$16 million for five projects around Australia.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP made the announcement at the 1st Malaria World Congress being held in Melbourne this week.
The Malaria World Congress has brought together the broad malaria community, from scientists and researchers to policy makers, the people at the frontline fighting malaria, and the communities affected by the disease.
Lead Investigator of the Australian Centre of Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination (ACREME), University of Melbourne Professor Stephen Rogerson who is based at the Doherty Institute said on World Malaria Day that money was the biggest challenge in global malaria eradication.
“We need funding to develop better drugs and vaccines and to support people on the ground as they try to eliminate malaria not just in the cities but right out into the most remote villages,” Professor Rogerson said.
He also said that the most promising tool available to fight malaria is political will, both from afflicted countries and from funding organisations - this week’s funding announcement from the Commonwealth Government is a big step towards this.
“All the leaders of the malaria affected countries in the Asia Pacific have signed up to eliminate malaria by 2030. Now it is up to everyone in the malaria community to turn dollars and ambitions into real progress,” Professor Rogerson said.
CLICK HERE for more information about the projects supported by the Commonwealth Government funding.