An official of the National Malaria Control Program has disclosed that Liberia has the highest rate of malaria in West Africa. Malaria is a disease that is common amongst children and older people.

It kills children under five faster than any other age. Malaria is primarily caused by the mosquitoes. Mr. Tolbert Nyenswah said despite continuous support and effort put in place to combat the deadly disease, it remains the number one killing disease.

The Liberian government, along with international partners is doing everything to minimize the scourge of malaria in Liberia. He spoke at program marking the official launch of the community awareness activities in observance of the First Malaria Day on Monday in West Point.

It was held on the theme: "Malaria, Disease without Border." The essence of the campaign is to awaken Liberia to re-double her effort so as to make it a healthy nation, free of malaria..

African leaders meeting in Abuja, Nigeria in 2001 agreed to celebrate April 25 as Africa Malaria Day. However, last year 2007, the entire world agreed to celebrate the day as World Malaria Day.

This means that the world has realized the lapses malaria had created at the job sites, in schools and homes and other places. He told the gathering that Malaria is a disease that has no border, and added that awareness amongst the community dwellers is necessary.

In order to get the message of malaria across, he said all Liberians must get involved. Since the sitting of the government, several communities received mosquitoes as part of the fight against the spread of the disease.

Counties like Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Rivercess and Grand Kru benefited from the mosquitoes nets donation. The nets are provided by the German government.

Nyeswah said the Liberian government is committed to the fight against malaria, and that the observance of the World Malaria Day continues up to the 25th of this month.

Also speaking at the program, the Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, Moses Pewu said Africa must take the issue of malaria seriously because it has the power to reduce the population.

Dr. Pewu urged parents to make use of the donated nets, adding that it will help reduce to risk posed to their well-being and that of the children.