Pfizer Launches Multi-Year Malaria Treatment Initiative
PSI chosen as implementer in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya — A release issued by pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced a new five-year malaria treatment and education initiative. "To help address critical gaps in malaria treatment and education, Pfizer announced the launch of Mobilize Against Malaria. This three-country initiative comprising Kenya, Ghana and Senegal will be implemented over the course of five years (2007-2011). Pfizer has selected key international and local health experts to develop and implement public health interventions that engage and educate treatment providers and patients in high-risk areas for the effective treatment and management of malaria."

"Population Services International (PSI) has been selected to promote symptom recognition and treatment-seeking behaviors at the household level, with an emphasis on pregnant women and children under five, using antenatal clinics in western and coastal provinces as an entry point to these target groups. The program will advocate for a range of services through antenatal care clinics that are simple and are easy to incorporate within the existing health-care system. Great Lakes University will play an integral role in the training efforts. The program will be evaluated by KEMRI/Wellcome Trust led by preeminent malaria researcher, Dr. Robert Snow."

"Pfizer’s Mobilize Against Malaria initiative, highlighted at the 2006 Clinton Global Initiative, is just one aspect of Pfizer’s overarching commitment to combat malaria. With its 25-year history in malaria, Pfizer’s investment is threefold: the research and development of new therapies, making Pfizer’s portfolio of medicines available through innovative commercial partnerships, and supporting efforts to increase patient awareness of and access to effective use of antimalarials in Ghana, Kenya and Senegal."

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