Yvonne Chaka Chaka film highlights global action on malaria

Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s film, “The Motherland Tour – A Journey of African Women”, highlights global action on poverty and was released in September 2010, ahead of the Millennium Development Goals Summit and Global Fund Conference. Both were critical meetings for world leaders to look at the progress and challenges in meeting the global poverty goals set for 2015.

“The global goals on HIV, malaria, TB and Maternal and Child Health that once seemed so impossible are now within our grasp. I hope my film inspires everyone to get involved in supporting these initiatives, together we can all make a difference in the global fight against poverty.”

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne’s film is a moving account of her journey throughout Africa, meeting some of the continent’s most extraordinary and pioneering women. Yvonne witnesses first-hand the progress that has been made in improving the health and rights of women and children in Africa, and the critical need for more support to meet the remaining challenges.

“Entertaining, important, and timely, “The Motherland Tour” will help focus much-needed attention on the women of Africa and their most pressing issues.”

Susan Koch, the film’s Director

Yvonne, a UN, UNICEF and Roll Back Malaria Ambassador, highlights progress made over the last five years – including reducing child deaths from malaria by over 50% in countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda and Zambia – but emphasises the need to maintain this positive momentum, saying “malaria is both a direct cause and effect of poverty; this preventable and treatable disease claims the lives of 781,000 each year. I won’t tire until we succeed in our mission…to make malaria no more a reality.”

Known as the “Princess of Africa”, Yvonne uses her music to unite communities and inspire action. Over her 25 year career she has performed alongside stars including Bono and Annie Lennox. She is considered like a daughter to Nelson Mandela, who also features in the film.

The film’s London premiere is being managed by Malaria No More UK and the Princess of Africa Foundation with generous support from net manufacturer Vestergaard Frandsen. Subsequent film screenings will be staged to raise global awareness in the US, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and across Africa. The film will also air on African TV via SABC in October.

“We are delighted to host Yvonne and highlight the important issues raised by this film at such a critical time. The UK is playing a leadership role at the Millennium Development Goal summit later this month in New York and we look forward to positive announcements from the UK and other donors at the meeting.”

Sarah Kline, Executive Director of Malaria No More UK

Add your support – remember just £5 is enough to purchase, deliver and hang a bed net that will help protect two children from malaria.

Find out more:

• Take a look at photos from the screening
• “The Motherland Tour – A Journey of African Women”
• How we are helping to end malaria deaths in Africa

Update:
Listen to Yvonne on BBC World Service’s Outlook on the personal reasons she is fighting to stop the spread of malaria
Listen again to Yvonne Chaka Chaka on BBC Radio 4′s Woman’s Hour.
Read about the London screening.