Over £250,000 raised by REMIT since 2003

The first recipient was the Right Honourable Stephen O’Brien MP for Eddisbury, Cheshire. Born in Tanzania Stephen has been all too aware of the problems & injustice Malaria causes throughout the world. It was with this knowledge that in 2004 he was inspired to form the all party parliamentary malaria group in the Houses of Westminster to draw together numerous experts from research, pharmaceuticals, industry and the voluntary sector to create more structure in the knowledge, treatment & elimination of malaria.

In presenting the award from Rotarians in Great Britain & America, Past President Brian Stoyel read the citation and Stephen O’Brien responded by giving his personal viewpoint of his stand and aspirations in fighting malaria. The main emphasis, rather than waiting for the development of a vaccine, has to be to get the most vulnerable - children under 5 & pregnant women - sleeping under long lasting impregnated bed nets. As an example, since the formation of Rotarians Eliminating Malaria In Tanzania (www.remit.org.uk) in 2003 more than £250,000 has been raised. This money has been used to provide nets, education, residual house spraying and clearance of malaria breeding areas giving a reported 64% reduction in the occurrence of malaria in the trial sites.

Stephen O’Brien was delighted to accept the award on behalf of himself and the tireless workers here and in Africa where malaria claims 3000 lives a day – over a million every year. Another recipient of the PHF award was an eminent authority on Malaria from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine - Professor Chris Curtis. Having devoted many, many years to the study of malaria and the ramifications of this debilitating illness Professor Curtis gave a lively presentation to members and friends of the Rotary Club of Paddington with some of his special friends!! - a container of live mosquitoes for every one to see.

Paddington Rotary Club meet at the Corus Hotel, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, London W2 3LG every Tuesday at 1845hrs and visitors are always most welcome. Both Stephen O’Brien and Chris Curtis were delighted to receive the awards and in turn thanked Rotary International for showing the forethought and endeavour to eliminate malaria. Drawing upon the success of the world polio plus campaign spearheaded by Rotary International it is clear that Rotary can make a difference not only by raising funds but in utilising the workforce of 1.2 million members who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities.

In the very near future another leading academic from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Professor Jo Lines, will be receiving his Paul Harris Award. Professor Lines is currently travelling in Africa where he continues his efforts against Malaria.