Malaria has always been a leading cause of illness and death in the country with more than 90% of Papua New Guineans at risk from getting Malaria. This was revealed during the commemoration of World Malaria Day on 25th April, by the National Department of Health at the Kerea Primary School at the Vanapa Brown Local Level Government (LLG) in the Central province. This year the theme is, ‘Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, innovate and Implement.’ The school was chosen because the school was in an area that is one of the worst Malaria Hit areas in the Country. The National Department of Health Malaria Program Coordinator, Mr. Leo Makita delivered the keynote speech on behalf of the Minister for Health & HIV/AIDS Dr. Lino Tom. He said that Malaria is an old pandemic that continues to cause death and devastation here in the country. Makita said that Malaria is a deadly disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes and rural populations are most vulnerable where access to health services is difficult. In the Western Pacific Region, Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the highest malaria burden where children and pregnant women are most likely to get very sick and die if they are not diagnosed early and treated effectively. Makita added that Malaria is a preventable illness and can be avoided by sleeping under a mosquito net and taking steps to avoid mosquitoes breeding and getting bitten by mosquitoes. Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) Programme Manager, Tim Freeman said they are proud to be the biggest implementing partner of the National Department of Health’s National Malaria Control Program. “Malaria thrives in warm temperatures and is therefore the worst in coastal areas of PNG.” “As you go higher, malaria gets less and less and then disappears at high altitudes in districts such as Kandep in Enga.” “If you have fever, chills, headaches and joint pains, you should go to a health worker and get tested for malaria. If you have malaria, you should take full treatment given to ensure you get well.” Freeman highlighted that over the last 13 years RAM has worked together with NDOH to distribute nets to all villages. RAM also works closely with Provincial Health Authorities to ensure that the malaria program reaches every village and family in the country. In addition to household distribution, RAM also distributed nets to pregnant women through health centres. Freeman further stated that the biggest problem with treating malaria in the country is that people live long distances from the a health facility, so they have come up with a new program where village volunteers are trained on how to test and treat malaria, so it is accessible to all people in remote areas. This program is present in 10 provinces and is expanding.