Christa Rigozzi declares war on the mosquito
In our latitudes, mosquitoes are mainly a nuisance. But in many parts of the world, they can be deadly as carriers of infectious diseases. For example, a child still dies of malaria every 2 minutes. The ambassador of the Swiss Malaria Group, Christa Rigozzi, puts her heart and soul into ensuring that no child dies from the consequences of a mosquito bite.
On the occasion of World Mosquito Day on Friday, Christa Rigozzi draws attention to Switzerland's achievements and potential in the fight against malaria in the Swiss Malaria Group's new short film, realized by director and filmmaker Simon Ramseier.
Switzerland and the international community have been successfully fighting the spread of malaria for decades.
Over the past 20 years, 7.6 million people have been saved from death by malaria and over 1.5 billion cases of malaria have been prevented. In addition, over 40 countries and regions have been certified malaria-free by WHO in the last 20 years. Most recently China could announce its victory over the mosquito-borne infectious disease in June 2021.
Switzerland's leading commitment
Switzerland has a long history in the fight against malaria. The country has important resources to put an end to one of mankind's oldest and deadliest diseases. For example, the members of the Swiss Malaria Group have been conducting malaria research, developing and producing prevention and treatment options, and engaging in projects on the ground for decades.
But progress in the fight against malaria is acutely threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly for the already fragile health systems of sub-Saharan Africa, the Corona virus represents an additional burden that threatens progress in the fight against malaria and other diseases.
No child should die from a mosquito bite
As the mother of two daughters, Christa Rigozzi is moved by the fact that a child still dies of malaria every two minutes. This is despite the fact that the disease could be prevented and treated. "For us in Switzerland, mosquito bites are a nuisance, but in other parts of the world children die from them," says Christa Rigozzi. "Especially in the current pandemic, Switzerland's commitment against malaria is therefore more important than ever."
Switzerland's commitment to malaria and global health is central to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which is to ensure health and well-being for all people worldwide. The Corona crisis reminds us once again of the importance of this commitment to meet the challenges of the present and the future.
