150 years ago, all countries (except in Antarctica) had endemic malaria within their borders. Since then, half have eliminated malaria. David Beckham is working to accelerate this progress through the latest phase of the Malaria Must Die campaign.
It’s unacceptable that malaria still kills a child every two minutes.
Since 2000, a combination of powerful new tools, increased investment and strengthened international political commitment has cut malaria deaths globally by more than 60%, saving almost seven million lives, mainly young children. Ending malaria is achievable with the right action.
However, it will return if it is not controlled. Decisions made now by political leaders – backed by strong public support – will determine this trajectory.
David Beckham stars in global video to inspire support
David Beckham is a founding member of Malaria No More UK Leadership Council and a committed champion in the fight against malaria with over a decade of support for Malaria No More UK. In his long-term role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador he has seen the impact of malaria on people’s lives in countries such as Sierra Leone.
This year, David Beckham is launching the world’s first voice petition to end malaria for the campaign Malaria Must Die, So Millions Can Live. Instead of collecting signatures, the campaign asks people around the world to use the power of their voice to demand action by visiting malariamustdie.com and recording the message ‘Malaria Must Die’.
“I have been working with Malaria No More UK for over 10 years and to be a part of this campaign and to help share some of the real stories behind malaria is really important to me,” says David.
Global malaria survivors speak ‘through David’
In a short film, produced by Ridley Scott Associates and harnessing ground breaking AI technology, David appears to speak nine languages. But the voices are not all his own. Instead, using emerging AI video synthesis technology, we hear David speaking the voices of men and women from around the world, including malaria survivors and doctors fighting the disease.
Each voice represents a part of the world affected by malaria, past or present; from the UK to China, a country on the brink of elimination, to Nigeria, where the malaria toll is the heaviest with close to 300 lives lost every day, mainly young children.
David goes on to explain: “Dr Elvis Eze, who was with us on set, has suffered with malaria many times and as a doctor, he has seen how dangerous this disease can be. For me, it was so important to learn how he is using his experiences to raise awareness of malaria with young people in the UK and abroad.”
The petition will contribute to a unique piece of audio art that will be delivered to world leaders ahead of critical funding decisions for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in six months’ time.
“It’s unacceptable that malaria still kills a child every two minutes so please add your voice to the petition,” says David.
Add your voice to the Voice Petition at www.malariamustdie.com