Advocacy on Capitol Hill: Uniting Scientific Research and Policy in the Fight Against Malaria

Malaria champions from 43 states gather in Washington D.C. to lobby their members of Congress about malaria. Transcript The malaria community is diverse. Some work on the parasites, others the mosquito. Others still focus on public health. The battle is being waged on the bench and the field. But there's another community fighting the disease on a different frontline: in the corridors and offices of Capitol Hill. This week, 'malaria champions' from 43 states gather in Washington DC for the annual 'United to Beat Malaria' conference. And this year, there's a focus on how critical scientific research is to the fight. JHMRI's David Sullivan reiterated that sound policy must be based on sound science. By communicating the science, scientists can help explain the significance of malaria and define policy problems – and solutions – more clearly. Because, despite reductions in cases and deaths, significant, interconnected challenges remain, including drug and insecticide resistance, the need to strengthen health systems, and the looming threat of climate change. With the United States government being the largest government donor to malaria efforts, the champions hope that by persuading their representatives to continue the fight, they can be part of the solution. Source United to Beat Malaria 2023 Year in Review About The Podcast The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute podcast is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.