By Dr. Derick Pasternak, Ambassador, Malaria Science & Research Coordinator, MPI
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated April 25 as World Malaria Day 2023 and has promulgated three “Key Messages” to guide our actions as we go forward. Malaria Partners International (MPI) is an international organization growing out of and in partnership with Rotary Clubs. The main target of MPI’s efforts is Sub-Saharan Africa, which harbors 95% of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. MPI is active in all spheres covered by the Key Messages.
- Invest
MPI is a small organization, but it “punches above its weight.” Funds raised are leveraged by matching funds, applied to locally focused projects that can be scaled to wider ranging campaigns to prevent malaria. By facilitating collaborative fund raising initiated by individual Rotary Clubs world-wide, MPI engages major NGOs to jointly invest in campaigns utilizing proven approaches to malaria control.
- Innovate
At the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in 2022, MPI reported on its project that engaged private and public sector agencies to build a single team to train 2500 community healthcare workers to be deployed in integrated community case management (iCCM+) in districts in Zambia. MPI is also about to participate in the collaboration between The Gambia and Senegal with coordinated efforts in border areas of the two countries. Building on Senegal’s iCCM+ and malaria surveillance experience, The Gambia is planning the development of digitized malaria surveillance in North Bank communities along the Senegal border.
- Implement
The aim of MPI is implementation of prevention and treatment in malaria-ridden communities. Our signature achievement has been serving as catalyst of the first Rotary International (RI) Program of Scale, “Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia.” This 3-year project with USD 2 million each from each from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Vision United States, and RI (including many individual Rotary Clubs) supports iCCM+ in ten districts in Zambia.
Transforming Lives: Malaria Impact Reduction Initiative in Ngora District Progress Report
Malaria Control & Prevention Through Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Project Final Report
The Malaria Control and Prevention Through Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in Bwerenga project was implemented in Bwerenga, Wakiso District, Uganda, from January to May 2026. The Community Impact Grant project was led by the Rotary Club of Bwerenga, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kigo and the Rotaract Club of Bwerenga.
The Rotary Clubs also worked alongside Malaria Partners Uganda and Katabi Town Council, with support from the Wakiso District Health Office, local LC1 leadership, and Village Health Teams (VHTs).
August 2026 Science & Research Report
By Dr. Derick Pasternak, Ambassador, Malaria Science & Research Coordinator, MPI News WHO published four new pamphlets pertaining to malaria in June and July: Malaria case management Plasmodium vivax malaria on 2 June...