Push for New Tactics as War on Malaria Falters

Malaria should be easy to control. Mosquito nets, insecticides and even medicine are inexpensive – and yet funds have tended to go toward consultants and research rather than treatment. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of children die from malaria, more than any other disease – a statistic that attracts yet more funds from major donors along with new scrutiny. In the US, Bush administration officials have changed policies to spend less on consultants and more on delivering practical prevention methods such as nets and insecticide. Also pledging to reduce malaria’s toll in Africa are organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A $31 billion gift from investor Warren Buffet to the Gates Foundation could spur some change, likewise encouraging expenditures on prevention and treatment. Critics question whether the prevention methods can be sustained in Africa countries. A spokeswoman for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation acknowledges, “There's potential for incredible impact or incredible failure.” – YaleGlobal