Elsewhere in the world, mosquitoes bother, annoy or cause allergies. In Africa and poor countries, Anopheles mosquito bites are transmitting malaria and cause death. .

Between 350 and 500 million cases are diagnosed each year More than 5,000 people die each day of malaria. Malaria affects the poorest populations most. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable groups. 90% of malaria-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Through its effects, malaria also causes a vicious cycle of poverty hampering economic development.

In Burundi as in most sub-Saharan countries, malaria is the leading cause of mortality. Therefore, to ACECI, translating the MDGs into an anti-poverty law also means:

Protecting the people against mosquito vectors of malaria Ensuring access to mosquito repellants by legislative measures

Investing in the manufacturing and promotion of mosquito repellants based on plants grown in Africa, by and for Africans through technology transfer also means:

Investing in people Stimulating economic growth Aiming for sustainable development

Ambassador Liberata Mulamula of the ICGLR, shouldered by
Mr. Gregory Patience of the 'Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal'
and Ms Ginette Karirekinyana, ACECI General Director

The international conference in Bujumbura aims at:

Launching the project for the production and promotion of mosquito repellants to fight malaria in a vision of sustainable development, using local and renewable resources. Sensitising the countries of the Great Lakes Region and other African countries. Mobilizing public and private financing at national, regional and international level

Important Dates:

1st September 2010: Launch of the conference in Bujumbura and start of the registration - www.antimalariaomd.org. 6 October 2010: end of registration 13 October 2010: opening ceremonies of the conference 14-15 October 2010: conference in session 16 October 2010: artistic performances for public awareness raising

Program :

Plenary sessions on: The legal framework for the fight against malaria. The presentation of the project to produce mosquito repellant from Nepeta cataria and its socio-economic impact. Industrialization, technology transfer and environmental opportunities. Public-private partnership, bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fight against malaria. DHN : Sustainable development initiative and financial contribution of development partners. Workshops Poster sessions Exhibition stands

The Bujumbura international conference is co-organized by:  :

The Government of Burundi The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region The International Cooperation Ethics Consultative Agency - ACECI The ‘Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal’

News bulletins on the catnip project:

Bulletin October 2011

Bulletin June 2011

Bulletin April 2011