WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) today announced that they will co-chair the bipartisan Senate Working Group on Malaria to raise Congressional awareness of U.S. efforts to stem the tide of malaria across the globe.   

“Malaria remains a deadly but preventable disease, and the Malaria Working Group is helping to keep a focus on this important issue,” said Senator Wicker.  “The prevalence of malaria has decreased, but there is still much left to do.  Work to advance global health is not only our moral responsibility, it is also a powerful tool for international security and diplomacy.”  

“During my time studying and working in Africa, I witnessed first-hand the havoc that malaria has on villages, especially on women, children, and those most in need and susceptible.” Senator Coons said. “Three million people die yearly from this preventable disease. The best way to improve life expectancy and engage in effective prevention efforts is to empower communities and governments with the tools and resources they need to save the lives of their people.  This will be one goal of the Senate Malaria Working Group, which I am honored to co-chair along with Senator Wicker.” 

Malaria, an infectious blood disease spread by mosquitoes, is most prevalent in the developing world, with 90 percent of deaths occurring in Africa.  The majority of those killed are pregnant women and children under five years old.    

Senator Wicker, an original co-chair of the Working Group on Malaria, serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator Coons is the chair of Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. 

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