African heads of state met in April 2000 and pledged to reduce or waive import taxes and tariffs on insecticide treated nets (ITNs), netting materials, insecticides, anti-malarial drugs, and other goods and services recommended for malaria control strategies.

Of the 43 countries that signed the 'Abuja Declaration', only 16 have removed taxes on ITNs; 27 have not.

These taxes can pose a major burden and obstacle:

In Nigeria, for example, taxes represent up to 70% of ITN retail value or two weeks wages for many poor Africans.

Malaria Facts:

• 300-500 million new cases are reported each year
• 90% are in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria accounts for one million deaths annually.
• Over 70% of victims are children and pregnant women, as reduced immune systems make them more susceptible to infection.
• Malaria accounts for as much as 40% of annual public health expenditure and 30-50% of inpatient admissions across Africa.
• The compound effects of 35 years of malaria epidemic have reduced total African GDP by 32%, divesting it of nearly US$100 billion.
• This equates to a combined annual African deficit of US$12 billion, though it can be controlled for an investment of US$2.5 billion per year.