WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement on World Malaria Day:

"Today we celebrate tremendous strides in the global fight against malaria.  Between 2000 and 2015, infection rates among at-risk populations worldwide fell by more than a third and death rates dropped by 60 percent, leading to more than 6.2 million deaths averted.  While malaria is still a serious problem for many people, school attendance is going up, local economies are expanding, and—most importantly—lives are being saved.

“This World Malaria Day marks a decade of sustained U.S. government leadership and commitment to combat the disease, with the President’s Malaria Initiative and other remarkable efforts playing a pivotal role in the fight.  The World Health Organization report released today makes clear that the goal of eliminating malaria from at least 35 countries by 2030 is achievable.  Now is the time to renew our focus on finishing the job and eliminating malaria once and for all.”

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