Over recess, I had the privilege of being a guest of Malaria No More on a trip to Kenya.
My experience was profound. I saw for myself the devastating impact of malaria on communities and also how UK International aid funding is working on the ground. Aid is given directly to groups on the ground, and is not directed to Governments.
I was also shown the amazing work being done by PATH, to train local volunteers to diagnose and treat malaria in their own communities. I met these people, who are passionate about their work and eager to help eradicate the disease.
Despite progress being made on eradicating Malaria, the figures are still shocking. 100,000 newborns die every year as a result of the illness, and malaria is responsible for 20% of stillbirths in Sub-Saharan Africa. A child dies of Malaria every 2 minutes.
The UK and the Commonwealth need to remain focused on ending malaria for good.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2018, leaders committed to halve malaria in Commonwealth countries such as Kenya by 2023. I call on the UK Foreign Office to ensure this commitment is realised.