Transcript
The Malaria Summit brought leaders from 19 of the 53 Commonwealth countries together to discuss plans to eradicate the disease.
They were joined by leaders from the world of science, business, international organisations, civil society and communities affected by malaria.
The Solomon Islands prime minister Rick Houenipwela said he joined his Melanesian brothers in offering the summit an unwavering commitment to malaria elimination.
He endorsed the Asia-Pacific leaders' alliance road-map which aimed to improve on the Commonwealth's commitment.
"In so doing we join a powerful movement of now 21 heads of government, all united behind a common goal to eliminate malaria from the Asia-Pacific by 2023."
Mr Houenipwela spoke of the negative impact the disease has on the macro-economics of his country saying malaria can trap the most disadvantaged in a further spiral of sickness and poverty.
The Solomon Islands accounts for 92 percent of all cases in the WHO's Western Pacific region which includes Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
Mr Houenipwela said his government will continue to commit 12 percent of the country's budget to the health sector.
"We are also encouraged by the new partnership between the Global Fund and the Asian Development Bank. These giants are now jointly working with countries, including countries within our region, to support sustainable financing. There is of course much work to do."
The summit was able to harness US$4.1 billion from governments, the private sector and international organisations to help renew the battle against the disease.
The prime minister of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai spoke of his government's ambitious malaria elimination and control programme which has been running over the last 15 years in all provinces.
"Which includes distributions of long lasting nets countrywide, access to diagnosis, and treatment has been ensured in all health facilities with work supported by donor partners and by extensive community engagement has achieved remarkable results."
Mr Salwai said in 2017 malaria had been eliminated in most provinces.
PNG's prime minister called on the international community to continue the fight to help the most vulnerable affected by the disease.
WHO figures from last year show PNG has halved the incidence of malaria since 2004 but recently the disease has been on the rise.
Mr O'Neill spoke of the increase of cases being reported in PNG hospitals, saying it was most often the poorest who are affected.
"Being poor does not necessarily mean that we should deny their right to a healthy productive life. Malaria unfortunately causes the loss of many lives, unnecessary in many cases. It affects the most vulnerable, the children in our communities."
Peter O'Neill also spoke of the significant economic impact the disease imposes on the country's productivity.
The three Pacific leaders affirmed their countries commitments to the eradication of the disease worldwide by 2050 and the ambitious target of a malaria free Pacific by 2030.
Commonwealth leaders committed to halve malaria across the Commonwealth by 2023. They also urged acceleration of efforts to reduce malaria globally by 90 percent by 2030.
April 25 is World Malaria Day.
