Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) Australia consists of volunteers who are passionate about eliminating malaria in partner countries. RAM is an Australian registered charity, and is part of the "Rotary Australia World Community Service".
Malaria has killed and debilitated humans since history began. There have been significant reductions in the incidence of both disease and death over recent years, with a halving of cases and deaths since 2000. However, Malaria remains a disease that causes over 400,000 fatalities every year—many of them among small children—and imposes a heavy burden on the health and wellbeing of some 229 million people. The heaviest toll caused by Malaria is among poorer communities, mostly in Africa and in other tropical regions. Malaria reflects the health inequality between developed and developing countries.
Among Australia’s neighbours, Malaria has almost been eliminated in Timor Leste and Vanuatu is aiming for elimination in the next few years. The disease remains a significant problem in Papua New Guinea, Eastern Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.
RAM supports projects that aim to control and ultimately eliminate Malaria. RAM works with government health programs in partner countries, and follows the recommended World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the best strategies for control and elimination. Most of the projects supported are in the area of vector control, i.e. reducing the mosquito population and the opportunity for mosquitos to bite humans and thus spread the Malaria parasite. The main RAM expenditures are for the provision and distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs); Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS); and environmental improvements such as through the Healthy Villages project. RAM also trains community health volunteers to participate in mass LLINs distribution and Malaria education.
RAM is managed by a network of Rotarians with a RAM representative in each of the 19 Rotary districts in Australia. RAM Australia volunteers develop and manage projects, and administer funds. Through the facilities provided by RAWCS Ltd, RAM has facilitated opportunities for Rotarians and Rotaractors, especially those with expertise in medical science and project governance, to visit the in-country programs. RAM provides information and resources on the latest research and development in malaria elimination.
For more information, check out the “Country Programs” tab and the Ram quarterly Newsletter located on the menu tab on the website https://ram.rawcs.com.au/ Fundraising for RAM comes through donations from individuals, Rotary Clubs, and Rotary International and from other public health funders such as the Global Fund.
All donations are always welcome.
Diane Wilkinson Chair,
International & Foundation Committee