Debates of the Senate (Hansard)
3rd Session, 40th Parliament,
Volume 147, Issue 18
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker
Health
Malaria
Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, my question is to the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Genocide is occurring in Africa due to malaria. Every year, one million Africans die as a result of malaria. Every 30 seconds, a person dies of malaria in Africa. In Uganda alone, 320 people die of malaria each day. In some countries in Africa, 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the health budget is spent on malaria.
We all accept that Canada needs to play a leadership role to combat malaria. A $10 net saves four lives for five years. There is so much we can do.
What is Canada doing to control malaria in the world, particularly in Africa?
Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government): Honourable senators, the spread of malaria is a serious issue, not only in Africa but in other parts of the world. I will take the honourable senator’s specific question about malaria as notice.
However, I repeat what I have said before: We doubled aid to Africa in 2009, a year ahead of our G8 partners, and the commitment of the Canadian International Development Agency to Africa is strong and ongoing.
With specific regard to malaria, I will take the honourable senator’s question as notice.
Senator Jaffer: Honourable senators, 90 per cent of deaths from malaria occur in Africa. What specific programs are in place for women and children who suffer from malaria in Africa?
Senator LeBreton: I will take the question as notice.