The immediate need for funding nets far exceeds the amount we have available.
There is a currently unfunded need for AMF to provide 22 million nets for people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. DRC is one of the two largest contributors to malaria deaths and illness, so there is the potential to have an extremely large impact on health outcomes. The total funding gap is US$45 million.
Thanks to our donors' incredible commitment to fighting malaria, we have recently been able to sign agreements to fund 3.86 million nets for distribution in Guinea (Mar-Apr 2019) and 11.8 million nets for distribution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (April and November 2019). These nets will protect an estimated 28.1 million people.
The time to identify funding for the major gap in DRC is now in order to allow adequate time for preparations for what is a significant national-level logistics operation. Extensive planning is needed for proper accountability and transparency, which is particularly needed in a country such as DRC. This needs to be done prior to manufacture, international shipment and distribution within the country. The earlier funding can be identified in the next five months the better will be the preparations for the distribution.
This is the most significant opportunity AMF has had to date:
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protect 40.5 million people
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avert 10-15,000 deaths and 10-15 million cases of malaria
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improve GDP in DRC by an estimated $540m
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influence materially the accountability of the universal coverage campaign in one of the world's two most malarious countries
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slow down the growth of insecticide resistance which threatens to undermine the whole country net programme through the purchase of PBO nets
AMF is well placed to assist with this opportunity:
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a track record of successful multi-million net distributions
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direct experience and established relationships in DRC
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Global Fund partnership covers non net costs and reduces risk
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agreement for 11.8 nets recently signed with the Ministry of Health so no agreement hurdles to overcome
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our leadership in dealing with insecticide resistance through use of next generation nets
There is no other funding currently identified. The gap exists after all commitments from AMF, The Global Fund and other funders have been taken into account, including our latest commitment of nets.
This is not an 'all or nothing' situation, every extra net funded by our donors will fill the need of someone at risk from malaria and we remain exceptionally grateful to all donors of small or large amounts.