Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has challenged the African governments to explore new ways of dealing with resistance to malarial medicines and insecticides for vector control.

Mr. Musyoka said there was also need to develop innovations that will make the continent free of malaria a reality.

Speaking during the official opening of the 5th Pan African Multi-lateral Initiative on Malaria Conference at the KICC today, the VP said research was the key to helping the African continent find home grown solutions to the malaria problem.

“ I am confident that the scientists and researchers gathered here are equal to the onerous task of ensuring that we are on the right path,’’ said Mr. Musyoka.

The VP called upon the international community to put more efforts into identifying sustainable ways of facilitating anti-malaria interventions, notably provision of insecticide treated bed nets to all who would benefit from it.

“We must all work harder to ensure availability of easily accessible and affordable diagnostic services and anti-malaria medicines,’’ said the VP

“This conference should be proud that African scientists are playing a leading role in the initiative to develop a vaccine to protect young children from malaria infections,’’ added Mr. Musyoka.

“I encourage African governments and our development partners to honour their commitments so that we can eliminate this scourge without which economic growth and development will greatly be curtailed especially in the African tropics,’’ he said.

Present were Public Health and Sanitation Minister Beth Mugo, Professor Wen Kilama who is the Managing Trustee- African Malaria Network Trust, Professor Francin Toulme, and the Acting Director KEMRI, Dr. Solomon Mpoke among others.



VPPS