Purpose
The purpose of the Champions Group is to form a loose coalition of eminent persons grounded firmly in the Asia-Pacific region to raise the profile of malaria as a major cause of death and disability, particularly amongst the poor, and to advocate for the control and elimination of malaria, including drug resistant malaria.
The primary purpose of the Champions Group is to connect with key leaders from business, politics, and science to maintain momentum and attract increased private sector interest and funding. It is intended to operate at a high level rather than drive grassroots activity.
The group will play a key advocacy role as well as harness momentum and lend weight to the post Malaria2012and EAS Declaration agenda in the Asia-Pacific. This group is intended to supplement the important leadership and accountability role that the APLMA will play.
It will complement the APLMA and broaden the spectrum of those involved to include a range of eminent persons including philanthropists, industry leaders, respected private sector individuals, high level government officials and may include ex-officio members from public health institutions in the region (for example WHO).
Approach
It is proposed that the Champions Group will work with APLMA to:
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raise awareness and profile of malaria-related issues in the Asia-Pacific, particularly around its contribution to poverty in the region and disproportionate effect on the poor;
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promote the APLMA agenda and advocate for an enhanced response to the threat of malaria in the Asia-Pacific region;
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engage non-traditional partners (particularly those from the private, business and industry sector) in the regional malaria agenda;
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advocate for increased private sector funding of malaria initiatives; and
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enhance regional cooperation and collaboration utilising members’ professional networks.
The nature of the group is one of advocacy and profile-raising. There is not expected to be a formal policy agenda (separate to that of the APLMA) or programming work to pursue. As such, it is anticipated that there will not be a need for formal meetings. Rather, members’ role may include:
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participating in key events;
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utilising media opportunities;
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featuring on the APLMA website;
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liaising with professional networks to raise profile of malaria; and
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seeking and creating other opportunities through their professional roles or by their public status to progress malaria agenda.
It is envisaged that members will engage with their personal networks and do so in a manner which supports the role of the APLMA and associated taskforces, its agenda and key messages.
Memberships
The Champions Group will comprise a mix of industry champions and prominent individuals from the private sector and business world, science, current and ex-politicians from the region as well as selected ex-officio representatives. Members should provide a balance of individuals with connections or profiles across both Asia and the Pacific.