In the global campaign against malaria, we would not have arrived at a moment so full of promise without the vision of Africa’s leaders.  The world holds no hope of fulfilling this promise without the mutual engagement of Africa’s Heads of State and Government.  I wish to express my support and enthusiasm for the formation of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), which will wield invaluable influence in the malaria community as it works to achieve the universal coverage of lifesaving interventions by 31 December 2010 on the path toward virtually ending deaths from the disease by 2015.”

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations

 “The launch of ALMA is a critical step in the fight against malaria in Africa.  Significant reductions in mortality are now being demonstrated in parts of Africa where target levels of intervention coverage have been reached.  The full engagement and political commitment of African Leaders is essential not only to reach the 2010 target of universal coverage with malaria control interventions, but also to sustain these gains and ultimately achieve the Millennium Development Goals.”

Margaret Chan, Director-General, World Health Organization

“In 2001, malaria was a neglected disease.  Through a determined global effort to expand malaria prevention and treatment, we are now seeing such remarkable decreases in malaria incidence and related child mortality in several endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa that the MDG for malaria is actually achievable.  The African Leaders Malaria Alliance is an important step in mobilizing the additional political and financial commitments that are still needed to achieve that goal.”   

Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

“Malaria is one of the leading killers of children in Africa.  But it is also a disease that can be prevented.  This collaboration of African Leaders will help provide a powerful and united force in the fight against malaria.  UNICEF applauds the African Leaders Malaria Alliance.”

Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director, UNICEF

"The World Bank Group is deeply committed to supporting countries to eradicate malaria in Africa through the Booster Program.  We salute the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) initiative at this crucial moment.  Although significant resources are being mobilized to win this fight, nothing can replace the strong commitment and political will of African leaders as we move forward together to meet the ambitious targets we have jointly set for 2010 and 2015."

Robert B. Zoellick, President, World Bank Group

"Today, countries have roadmaps to reach the 2010 call for Universal Coverage and are working towards achieving the 2015 Millennium Development Goals for malaria.  Political commitment at the highest level is key to their success.  The creation of the African Leadership Malaria Alliance (ALMA) by heads of state will help to sustain progress made to date and stimulate greater momentum in the fight against malaria. "

Professor Awa Marie Coll-Seck, Executive Director, Roll Back Malaria Partnership

"I am delighted to see the establishment of ALMA. Huge progress has been made on malaria, but much remains to be done.  ALMA demonstrates leadership where it matters most.  The coming together of Africa heads of state in the fight against malaria gives vital momentum to efforts to reach the 2010 and 2015 malaria targets which we are all working to achieve.  The UK is a strong supporter of the fight against malaria, with our pledge to deliver 20 million bed nets by 2010, and our further commitment to support provision of 30 million more bed nets by 2013."

Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, United Kingdom

"We find ourselves at a unique moment in the history of malaria control, when dedicated leadership, proven methods, available resources and collective will converge to turn the tide against one of the earth's most devastating diseases.  As a strong supporter of the global campaign against malaria, Italy welcomes the establishment of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, which will serve as an essential partner as we work together to end the loss and sorrow inflicted by malaria.  The importance of this initiative was also recognized in the Declaration on ‘Responsible Leadership for a Sustainable Future’, adopted in the G8 Summit in L’Aquila."

Franco Frattini, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Italy

“A world without malaria is within our reach.  The joining together of Africa’s leaders brings us closer to the goal of ending deaths from this disease.  Malaria No More welcomes the formation of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and looks forward to a productive partnership with ALMA as we advance our shared mission.”

Peter Chernin, Chairman, Malaria No More

“I would like to congratulate the African Heads of State and Government on the formation of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).  There is new momentum, hope and progress in the global fight against malaria.  We look forward to working with ALMA to help reach the world’s malaria-elimination goals.”

Dr. Tadataka “Tachi” Yamada, President, Global Health Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation