September 11, 2007, Chapel Hill, NC—IntraHealth International, an organization committed to global public health, will lead a $1.5 million Pfizer-funded project to fight malaria in Senegal. IntraHealth International has an office and a large USG-funded health project in Senegal.

The grant is part of Pfizer's Mobilize against Malaria Program, funded through the company's Enabling Global Health Care Initiative. The malaria program is designed to help close critical gaps in malaria treatment and education in Ghana, Kenya and Senegal. IntraHealth was chosen as the implementation partner for Senegal.

"What a wonderful opportunity to bring private sector resources to bear on this serious health problem," said Pape Gaye, President and CEO of IntraHealth International, who is originally from Senegal, "We hope to use our experience with the prevention and treatment of malaria and other diseases in communities throughout Africa to make this project a success."

Malaria is the most common life-threatening infection in the world. It is responsible for 300 to 500 million infections and over one million deaths a year worldwide. Almost ninety percent of these cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa and the majority of the deaths are in African children under five years of age. The economic impact of malaria in Africa has been estimated at over $15 billion a year

The program's goals are to increase the number of people who seek and receive effective anti-malaria medication. IntraHealth will work collaboratively with the Senegal Ministry of Health and Pfizer to design, implement, and monitor a community-level malaria prevention and treatment program.

"This grant will give us important new resources for combating malaria," said Cristina Bisson, Country Director for IntraHealth International in Senegal, "Our team is excited about being able to do even more, working with the Ministry of Health and community leaders, to improve health care in Senegal."

As a part of the five-year program, IntraHealth will create a strategic advisory board made up of national, regional and district members to assist in developing resources and creating policies to support malaria care and prevention. IntraHealth will develop training programs for health care staff and volunteers to build skills related to malaria treatment and prevention. IntraHealth will also implement communication campaigns in local communities to raise awareness for people seeking malaria-related services.

"Our partners are leaders in the malaria community and we are pleased to support their outstanding work," said Karl Lintel, Pfizer's Regional Director for Africa.

IntraHealth International is a global health nonprofit that champions the critical role of health workers in health and development. For over 30 years, IntraHealth has empowered health workers to better serve communities in need, fostering local solutions to health care challenges by improving health worker performance, strengthening health systems, harnessing technology, and leveraging partnerships. The nonprofit’s work is supported and funded by the US Agency for International Development, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, private foundations, corporations and individuals.

Contact: Laura Hoemeke
IntraHealth International
+1 919-360-7799